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THIBODAUX, La.  – Richie Riley, who spent the past two seasons working under Brad Brownell in the ACC as an assistant at Clemson, has been named head men's basketball coach at Nicholls State University, Athletic Director Rob Bernardi announced on Tuesday morning.
 
"Richie Riley is a tremendous talent and he demonstrated that throughout the search and interview process," Bernardi said. "He fits the needs of our program exceptionally well. I firmly believe that Richie Riley is the right choice to lead our basketball program."
 
The 33-year-old becomes the 11th head coach in Colonel men's basketball history.
 
"Coach Richie is going to be a tremendous asset to the Nicholls basketball program and to the Nicholls community," President Dr. Bruce Murphy said. "He brings a wealth of experience and he is someone who will genuinely care for the student-athletes. We're delighted to have him with us."
 
As a member of the Tigers' coaching staff, Riley helped Clemson to 10 ACC wins for just the fifth time in program history. In his first season with the program, the Tigers won eight ACC games, including one at Sweet 16 participant NC State. He also helped Clemson to a pair of wins over NCAA Tournament teams from the SEC, including a top-25 Arkansas squad. While working with the Tigers, Riley recruited and signed ESPN 4-star top-100 prospect, Ty Hudson. Riley also signed the national No. 2 junior college prospect, Legend Robertin. Riley was hired by Clemson to replace current College of Charleston Head Coach Earl Grant.
 
Prior to his work with the Tigers, Riley was an assistant for Jerod Haase at UAB for two seasons. Riley helped the Blazers to a 63-59 win over No. 16 North Carolina. He recruited and signed a top-25 ranked recruiting class that included in-state Alabama prospects William Lee, Lewis Sullivan and Jarvis Calhoun. Riley recruited and signed three All-Conference USA players and the Conference USA 6^th Man of the Year. He recruited and signed the core of UAB's 2015 NCAA Tournament team that advanced to the third round. In recognition of his efforts, Riley was selected to attend the prestigious Villa 7 Conference for Rising Assistants.
 
He served at his alma mater under Jeff Neubaurer as an assistant at Eastern Kentucky during the 2011-12 season. He recruited and signed the core of the Colonels' 2014 NCAA Tournament team. The recruiting class included Corey Walden, a two-time Defensive Player of the Year, 2014 OVC Tournament MVP and 2014-15 All-OVC First Team.
 
Riley returned to Richmond after two years with Cliff Ellis at Coastal Carolina. He helped the Chanticleers to back-to-back regular season championships and back-to-back NIT appearances. The program set a school record with 28 wins in both the 2009-10 and 2010-11 seasons. Coastal Carolina put together a 22-game winning streak during Riley's time with the program. The Chanticleers finished as the runner-up at the Big South Tournament Championships in both the 2009-10 and 2010-11 seasons.

A native of London, Ky., Riley played during the 2001-02 season at Eastern Kentucky under Travis Ford. Started his coaching career and spent two seasons with Happy Osborne at Georgetown College from 2003-05. After a year at Hawaii-Pacific, Riley worked at Pikeville College from 2006-09 under Kelly Wells. Riley was recruiting coordinator and assistant coach at Pikeville College, where he earned the honor of 'Top NAIA Assistant' from RecruitingRumors.com.
 
Riley replaces J.P. Piper, who posted a 132-224 record over 12 seasons at Nicholls. The Colonels were 11-23 overall and 6-12 in Southland Conference play last season.
 
Riley and his wife Jess have a son, Reese.
 
What they're saying:
 
"Richie had a great impact on our program at Clemson. He was creative and worked hard every day to put our program in a position to be successful. His growth as a man and as a coach has been a joy to watch. Richie is going to be a fantastic coach in the future." – Clemson Head Coach Brad Brownell
 
"Richie's positivity and work ethic was a great addition to the UAB basketball program this season. He has a bright future as a head coach ahead of him." – Stanford Head Coach Jerod Haase
 
"Richie's basketball IQ is just terrific. He understands the game and is not afraid to be innovative, but he also knows how important it is to be fundamentally sound. He has also built a national reputation of being an outstanding recruiter." – University of Texas Head Coach Shaka Smart
 
"I have known Richie for nine years now and have come to respect him as a coach and friend. He understands what it takes to be successful in this business both on and off the court." – VCU Head Coach Will Wade
 
"I have known Richie for a very long time. He is a man that possesses a tremendous work ethic. Richie has a terrific basketball mind and possesses the leadership skills necessary to be a successful head coach." – Coastal Carolina Head Coach Cliff Ellis
 
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