Norfolk University Men’s Basketball Coach Anthony Evans has stepped down and will become the new head coach at Florida International University.
Evans led the Spartans to their only NCAA tournament appearance two years ago when they defeated Missouri in the first round.
Evans has also helped lead the Spartans to back to back MEAC regular season titles.
Athletics Director Marty L. Miller announced the decision on Monday.
“We appreciate what coach Evans has been able to accomplish for our men’s basketball program during his tenure,” said Miller. “The success we’ve experienced has brought national recognition not only to the athletics program, but to the University as well. We wish him continued success at his next destination.”
“The University community has been well-served by the diligence and success of Coach Anthony Evans,” said Norfolk State president Dr. Tony Atwater. “I admire his commitment to students’ academic success and superior athletic performance. I wish him well in his new head coaching assignment.”
Evans spent six seasons as the head coach of the Norfolk State program after serving as an assistant coach at NSU the previous four. He compiled a 99-94 overall record and a 66-30 MEAC mark during his six-year stint as the head coach, including records of 47-22 overall and 29-3 in the MEAC in the last two seasons.
The 2013 MEAC Coach of the Year after leading NSU to a perfect 16-0 record in the conference, Evans guided the Spartans to their second straight postseason berth with an automatic bid to the National Invitation Tournament. The NIT appearance came a year after the Spartans won their first-ever MEAC title and defeated No. 2 seed Missouri in the NCAA tournament, becoming just the fifth No. 15 seed to defeat a No. 2 seed in tournament history.
Miller announced that NSU associate head coach Robert Jones will serve as the interim head coach for 2013-14 season and assistant coach Larry Vickers will continue in the same capacity. After the 2013-14 season, a national search for a head coach will be conducted if necessary.
“Coach Jones has been very instrumental in the recruitment for the men’s basketball team, and the players are very comfortable with him serving as the interim coach this year,” Miller said.
