Several American Athletic Conference (AAC) programs are gearing up for the 2024-25 season with new head coaches at the helm. Florida Atlantic, Rice and UTSA have brought in experienced leaders who are trying to make immediate impacts on their respective teams.
Here are the new coaches to watch in the AAC, as they try to elevate their respective programs.
John Jakus (FAU)
Florida Atlantic made a significant move by hiring Jakus, widely regarded as one of the top assistant coaches in college basketball. Jakus built his coaching career under two of the most successful head coaches in the game: Baylor’s Scott Drew and Gonzaga’s Mark Few. During his nine seasons on Drew’s staff, including his recent role as associate head coach, Jakus helped lead Baylor to a 217-86 overall record, six NCAA Tournament appearances, two Sweet 16 finishes and a national championship in 2021.
His extensive experience and proven track record in building winning programs should help maintain FAU’s status as a contender in the AAC after the departure of coach Dusty May to Michigan.
Rob Lanier (Rice)
Lanier brings over three decades of collegiate coaching experience to Rice, including nine seasons as a head coach at Siena, Georgia State and SMU. He has reached 12 NCAA Tournaments, secured five conference titles and made five additional league tournament finals appearances. Most recently, Lanier led SMU to a 20-13 record and a second seed in the AAC Championship, significantly improving the team’s performance.
Austin Claunch (UTSA)
UTSA appointed Claunch, signaling a bold new direction for the Roadrunners. Claunch arrives after a successful season as an assistant coach at Alabama and a standout head coaching stint at Nicholls State, where he led the team to back-to-back Southland Conference titles and two 20-win seasons. He was the youngest head coach in NCAA Division I from 2018 to 2021 and named to ESPN’s 40 Under 40 list for collegiate men’s basketball coaches. Claunch brings youthful energy and a track record of success.
