The University of Ozarks announced Travis Carruthers as its new head men's basketball coach, replacing David Ferrell who resigned in March after four seasons.

• More moves in Coaching Carousel
• Other ASC changes: Sul Ross women | ETBU women | HSU men

University Athletics Director Jimmy Clark announced the move on Tuesday.

“We are thrilled to hire Travis Carruthers as our new head coach,” said Clark. “Those who have worked with him had glowing things to say about his recruiting ability and his basketball knowledge. As a player and a coach, he was right in the middle of the success UT Dallas experienced. His familiarity with the conference, his association with one of the best programs in the conference and his experience as an associate head coach set him apart."

Carruthers finished his playing career at Texas-Dallas as the Comets' career leader in assists (411), free throw percentage (.878) and three-point percentage (.385). After graduating from Texas-Dallas in 2007, he joined the Comets' coaching staff for eight seasons. Texas-Dallas reached the Division III NCAA Tournament four times with three trips to the sectional semifinals three times. Carruthers spent the last two seasons as an associate head coach at Howard Payne.

“I’ve been fortunate to have experienced success as a player and a coach in this league,” he said in the release. “No matter the team or year, the first goal is to earn a berth in the conference tournament. But I realize we will need to build block by block. We have a lot to prove. I want the guys to make the most of every opportunity. Ultimately, my goal is to be able to look back at the end of the year and be proud of the team’s character and leadership.” 

Carruthers replaces David Ferrell who resigned after four seasons during which the Eagles went 36-66. Ozarks finished 8-17, 2-14 in the ASC last season.