Darrick Gibbs Named Head Coach at UNF
CORAL GABLES, Fla. – After 10 seasons as an assistant coach at the University of Miami, Darrick Gibbs was announced Friday as the new head coach of the North Florida Ospreys.
Gibbs had been with Miami head coach Katie Meier for last 12 years, including all 10 of her seasons directing the Hurricanes.
“I am truly excited about what lies ahead, but saddened by the fact that I am leaving such a great place filled with unbelievable people,” Gibbs said. “Coach Katie Meier, the administration, staff, and players mean so much to me and my family. They all have been an integral part in my development and have helped prepare me for this wonderful opportunity. I am forever grateful.”
A 2000 graduate of Wofford College, Gibbs helped guide the Hurricanes to the best six-year stretch in program history. Miami has made the postseason each of the past six years, doubling the school’s previous top mark. During that time, the Hurricanes have won 20-plus games five times and made the NCAA Tournament on four occasions, advancing three times.
Gibbs is a highly regarded recruiter who helped Miami sign numerous talented prospects from all across the nation and even overseas. Additionally, Gibbs excelled in working with Miami’s post players, developing numerous forwards and centers over the course of his decade in Coral Gables.
“We’re so excited for Coach Gibbs and his family as they achieve their dream. Darrick is going to be an exceptional head coach,” Meier said. “He’s prepared, he’s full of integrity, he has deep concern for the welfare of the student-athletes, and he’s a winner. Everything that we’ve accomplished here at the University of Miami is a direct reflection on Darrick and his loyalty and his amazing work ethic.”
Meier first hired Gibbs in 2003 when she was the head coach at Charlotte and he spent two seasons there. In his first season with the 49ers, the program won its first ever postseason game.
Gibbs got his first college coaching job almost immediately out of college, as he spent the 2000-01 season as an assistant at his alma mater, Wofford, after being a student assistant the previous two years. The job at UNF will be the first college head coaching position of Gibbs’ career.
This is the second consecutive year that a Miami assistant coach has departed for a head coaching position in the offseason. In 2014, Carolyn Kieger was named the head coach at her alma mater, Marquette, after five years as an assistant under Meier.
Additionally, in 2012, assistant coach Vernette Skeete took the head job at Gulf Coast State College, making Gibbs the third Miami assistant in the last four years to get a head coaching position.
“The Hurricane community should celebrate Coach Gibbs and offer our sincere gratitude for 10 years of success and wonderful accomplishments,” Meier said.
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