Episode Details

Darris Nichols was hired as the Men’s Basketball Head Coach at La Salle University on March 11, 2025. Nichols most recently served as the head coach at Radford University, where he amassed two 20-win seasons in four years (68-63), including a 20-13 record during the 2024-25 season.

Nichols' coaching experience includes stints as an assistant coach at Florida, Louisiana Tech, Wofford, and Northern Kentucky. He was named as a member of ESPN.com's prestigious 40 Under 40 list in the summer of 2020 as one of the most influential people in the game of men’s college basketball.

Nichols was a four-year standout as a player at West Virginia. He helped the Mountaineers to a 26-11 record and a to the 2008 NCAA Sweet 16 as a senior. He scored 993 career points and dished out 399 assists while shooting .375 from 3-point range. Nichols was also twice a recipient of the Big East Academic All-Star and Sportsmanship Award. After graduation, he played professionally overseas in Hungary until a knee injury cut short his playing days and launched him into a career in coaching.

On this episode Mike & Darris discuss the significance of adaptability in coaching philosophy, which is particularly relevant in an era where player transfers are increasingly common. He underscores the necessity of fostering competitiveness and toughness within his team, both on and off the court. Furthermore, Nichols articulates his approach to building team chemistry and how he aims to instill a culture that values effort and improvement over mere statistical outcomes. As he embarks on this new chapter at La Salle, his commitment to nurturing players and creating a winning environment stands at the forefront of his vision for the program.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @hoopheadspod for the latest updates on episodes, guests, and events from the Hoop Heads Pod.

Make sure you’re subscribed to the Hoop Heads Pod on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts and while you’re there please leave us a 5 star rating and review. Your ratings help your friends and coaching colleagues find the show. If you really love what you’re hearing recommend the Hoop Heads Pod to someone and get them to join you as a part of Hoop Heads Nation.

Take a few notes as you listen to this episode with Darris Nichols, Men’s Basketball Head Coach at La Salle University.

Website - https://goexplorers.com/sports/mens-basketball

Email - nicholsdd@lasalle.edu

Twitter/X - @DarrisNichols

Visit our Sponsors!

Give With Hoops

Give With Hoops is a groundbreaking initiative that fuses basketball analytics with modern sponsorship. Built for teams who see data as opportunity, from AAU programs to college powerhouses. By tying on-court performance directly to community and sponsor engagement, Give With Hoops help programs raise more while deepening support from those who believe in the game.

D3 Direct Recruiting Playbook

Hoop Heads Listeners currently get 25% off!

Your step-by-step guide to getting recruited as a college athlete at the NCAA Division 3 level. This course is designed by former D3 A