Buffalo, NY – Canisius has tabbed former Rhode Island head coach Jim Baron to take over the men's basketball program.
Baron spent the previous 11 seasons with the Rams, compiling a 184-166 record before being fired last month after a 7-24 finish. URI made six postseason appearances under Baron, including a trip to the semifinals of the 2010 NIT.
"In naming Jim to this position, we have hired a man who has a proven track record of building successful basketball programs and developing young men," said athletic director Bill Maher.
A four-time Atlantic 10 coach of the year, Baron has earned two NCAA Tournament berths, in 1991 at St. Francis-PA and in 2000 at St. Bonaventure.
The 58-year-old Baron owns 390 career wins and has led teams to eight 20-win seasons. He replaces Tom Parrotta, who was not retained following a 5-25 record last season.