John Groce Heads to College of Charleston After Successful Akron Tenure

John Groce, the highly successful head coach of the University of Akron Zips men’s basketball team, is embarking on a new chapter in his career. On Monday, March 30th, Groce informed his players that he will be taking the helm at the College of Charleston, as confirmed by sources to the Beacon Journal.

A Legacy Forged at Akron

While not entirely unexpected, Groce’s departure from Akron marks the end of an era. He succeeded Keith Dambrot in 2017 and spent the last nine seasons building a winning program. Like his predecessor, Groce leaves behind a significant legacy and a high standard for future coaches to meet. Akron associate head coach Dustin Ford, a longtime Groce disciple, is considered a strong candidate to succeed him.

During his time with the Zips, Groce amassed an impressive record of 197-94, including a dominant 114-50 in the Mid-American Conference. He ranks third in Akron men’s basketball history for total wins, trailing only Dambrot (305-139) and Russell Beichly (288-144).

Dominance in the MAC and NCAA Tournament Appearances

Under Groce’s leadership, Akron secured four MAC Tournament titles (2022, 2024, 2025, and 2026), earning them four NCAA Tournament berths in five years. While the Zips faced tough competition in the tournament, falling in the first round each time – including losses to UCLA, Creighton, Arizona, and Texas Tech – Groce’s impact on the program is undeniable. He is the only coach in Akron basketball history to lead the team to as many Division I NCAA Tournament appearances.

This past season, Akron achieved a historic feat, becoming the first men’s team to win three consecutive MAC Tournament championships and only the second to claim four titles in five years. The Zips finished the 2025-26 season with a remarkable 29-6 record, setting a new single-season team record for wins and going 17-1 in the MAC for the second year in a row.

A Broader Coaching Career

Groce brings a wealth of experience to Charleston, having served as a head coach for 18 seasons. His overall career record stands at 377-225, including a 4-7 record in the NCAA Tournament (0-4 with Akron). Prior to his tenure at Akron, he coached at Ohio (85-56 from 2008-12) and Illinois (95-75 from 2012-17). At Ohio, he led the Bobcats to a Sweet 16 appearance in 2012.

Charleston’s Opportunity

Groce’s arrival at the College of Charleston comes after the departure of Chris Mack to the University of South Florida. Mack had a successful two-year stint with the Cougars, going 45-20. Charleston is looking to build on the success of its previous coach, Pat Kelsey, who led the team to back-to-back NCAA Tournament berths before moving to Louisville.

Dustin Ford: The Potential Successor at Akron

With Groce’s departure, all eyes turn to Dustin Ford, his longtime assistant, as a potential successor. Ford has been with Groce for 18 seasons across Ohio, Illinois, and Akron, making him intimately familiar with the program’s winning formula. His deep understanding of the program and his extensive coaching experience make him a logical choice to lead the Zips forward.

You can find more information about college basketball coaching changes at ESPN.