Jamon Copeland has been named the third head coach of UT-Tyler
men’s basketball program, Howard Patterson, vice president
for student affairs and director of athletics, has announced.
Copeland, a Coppell, Texas native, comes to UT Tyler from Ave Maria in Florida where he served as head coach since 2009. During his four seasons at the helm, Copeland increased the program’s wins in a season from 14 to 23 and his teams were ranked in the NAIA Top 25 on multiple occasions.
Copeland’s program maintained a 3.1 combined GPA and posted a 100 percent graduation rate during his tenure.
“We are very excited to welcome Jamon to UT Tyler as our next men's basketball coach,” said Patterson. “Our staff is very excited about having him on board and his record demonstrates that he knows how to build a winning program and we look forward to him taking the Patriot men’s basketball program to the next level.”
Prior to moving to Florida, Copeland served as the assistant men’s coach and recruiting coordinator at Texas State-San Marcos. Under former D-III coach Doug Davalos, Copeland was responsible for individual player development, recruiting, scouting opponents, academic advising, scheduling, strength and conditioning and other areas. While at Texas State, Copeland helped sign seven Top-40 high school players in Texas and helped the Bobcats improve their win totals in each of those seasons.
During the 2005-06 season, Copeland was the assistant men's and women’s head coach at Trinity Valley Community College in Athens where he helped lead the Cardinals to a Region XIV championship.
"I'm honored to be selected to serve The University of Texas at Tyler and its men's basketball program,” Copeland said. “I look forward to building a program that fosters a strong work ethic and a commitment to success both in the classroom and on the court.”
Copeland continued, “I'm thankful to Dr. (Rod) Mabry (UT Tyler president) and Dr. Patterson for allowing me this opportunity. My family and I are excited to be back in Texas and can’t wait to get started!"
Copeland began his coaching career at Keller High School. He is a 2004 graduate of Franciscan. He holds a master's from Texas A&M Commerce. Additionally, Copeland is a Cross Fit Level I trainer.
Copeland and his wife Jessica have two young boys, Corban and Blaise.