Ex-Illinois coach Matt Bollant hired by EIU

Coaching hires continue to happen as vacancies remain open. As of today though, Eastern Illinois will no longer be on the hunt for a coach, as the school announced today Matt Bollant will be the next coach of the Panthers.

"I am excited to be named Head Coach at Eastern Illinois," said Bollant. "Tom Michael and Dr. Glassman have been outstanding in this process and I am so excited about bringing honor to them and this great University. My family and I are really looking forward to being a part of the Charleston community. Great things are ahead!"

Athletic director Tom Michael stated in the university’s press release:

"We had exceptional interest from all across the nation in the Eastern Illinois head coaching position. Matt was a candidate that stood out among those resumes with his proven track record of building winning programs at our level. He sold the committee on his vision for returning EIU women's basketball back to the upper levels of the Ohio Valley Conference where it can contend for conference championships and post-season play.”

Bollant comes to the Panthers after being fired at Illinois last month. He does have a track record of recruiting high-caliber players, which helped Michael to decide to hire Bollant.

“Matt has shown his ability to recruit with top classes at each school he has been associated with," said Michael. "He stresses fundamental success in everything his players do; from the court to the classroom, to the community. He and his family are the type of people that will be great ambassadors for not Eastern Illinois women's basketball, but also the university and surrounding areas."

Bollant replaces Debbie Black whose contract was not renewed at the conclusion of this past season.