Phillips leaves North Dakota State for Ohio U

Apr 6, 2014 - 4:11 PM Athens, OH (SportsNetwork.com) - Saul Phillips has been named the new men's basketball coach at Ohio University.

Phillips spent the past seven seasons at North Dakota State and most recently guided the Bison to a record of 26-7 with a Summit League title and a victory over Oklahoma in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. The season came to an end with a loss to San Diego State in the third round.

"The hiring of Saul Phillips as the next head men's basketball coach for Ohio is indeed a tremendous hire for us," said athletic director Jim Schaus. "I am just ecstatic to be able to welcome a coach with his experience and success to Bobcat Nation."

Phillips posted a record of 134-84 during his tenure at North Dakota State, including a 75-45 mark in the Summit League. The Bison also reached the NCAA Tournament under Phillips in 2009, losing a first-round game to Kansas.

"Saul is passionate, energetic, a great communicator and is inspiring," added Schaus. "He has a reputation as an excellent recruiter and players coach. His North Dakota State team had many big wins including a win over Oklahoma in the NCAA Tournament. I am confident about Saul helping us build Bobcat basketball to new heights of excellence."

Phillips was an assistant at North Dakota State for three seasons before moving into the top job after Tim Miles left for Colorado State. He was also on Bo Ryan's staff at Wisconsin as director of basketball operations for three years and played for Ryan at Wisconsin-Platteville.

The Bobcats needed a replacement for Jim Christian, who left earlier this week to take the vacancy at Boston College.