Austin Kirby, a 2017 graduate of Blackburn, will be the head coach of former Beavers' teammates this fall. Kirby, currently 25, will be one of the youngest coaches in college basketball when he takes the floor this fall.
Kirby, a four-year assistant coach, succeeds Steve Kollar who recently took the head coaching position at Concordia-Chicago. During his tenure, Kirby assisted with the Beavers ascending to a ten-win team to back to back appearances in the St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference tournament. Blackburn was 13-13 this past season.
"We are excited to name Austin Kirby as Blackburn's new head men's basketball coach," said Blackburn athletic director John Malin. "Austin has been an important part of men's basketball program for the past four seasons as an assistant coach and we are fortunate that he is available to assume leadership for the program. He has a tremendous passion for the game and he has high expectations for maintaining success for the team and our student-athletes."
"It's a dream come true to become the head coach at my alma mater. Blackburn has had a great impact on my life and I'm excited for this opportunity," said Kirby. "We have a fantastic group of young men returning and I look forward to challenging and developing them on a daily basis," added Kirby.