Darris Nichols was hired as the Men’s Basketball Head Coach at La Salle University on March 11, 2025. Nichols most recently served as the head coach at Radford University, where he amassed two 20-win seasons in four years (68-63), including a 20-13 record during the 2024-25 season.

Nichols' coaching experience includes stints as an assistant coach at Florida, Louisiana Tech, Wofford, and Northern Kentucky. He was named as a member of ESPN.com's prestigious 40 Under 40 list in the summer of 2020 as one of the most influential people in the game of men’s college basketball.

Nichols was a four-year standout as a player at West Virginia. He helped the Mountaineers to a 26-11 record and a to the 2008 NCAA Sweet 16 as a senior. He scored 993 career points and dished out 399 assists while shooting .375 from 3-point range. Nichols was also twice a recipient of the Big East Academic All-Star and Sportsmanship Award. After graduation, he played professionally overseas in Hungary until a knee injury cut short his playing days and launched him into a career in coaching.

On this episode Mike & Darris discuss the significance of adaptability in coaching philosophy, which is particularly relevant in an era where player transfers are increasingly common. He underscores the necessity of fostering competitiveness and toughness within his team, both on and off the court. Furthermore, Nichols articulates his approach to building team chemistry and how he aims to instill a culture that values effort and improvement over mere statistical outcomes. As he embarks on this new chapter at La Salle, his commitment to nurturing players and creating a winning environment stands at the forefront of his vision for the program.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @hoopheadspod for the latest updates on episodes, guests, and events from the Hoop Heads Pod.

Make sure you’re subscribed to the Hoop Heads Pod on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts and while you’re there please leave us a 5 star rating and review. Your ratings help your friends and coaching colleagues find the show. If you really love what you’re hearing recommend the Hoop Heads Pod to someone and get them to join you as a part of Hoop Heads Nation.

Take a few notes as you listen to this episode with Darris Nichols, Men’s Basketball Head Coach at La Salle University.

Website - https://goexplorers.com/sports/mens-basketball

Email - [email protected]

Twitter/X - @DarrisNichols

Visit our Sponsors!

Dr. Dish Basketball

Our friends at Dr. Dish Basketball are here to help you transform your team’s training this off-season with exclusive offers of up to $4,000 OFF their Rebel+, All-Star+, and CT+ shooting machines. Unsure about budget? Dr. Dish offers schools-only Buy Now, Pay Later payment plans to make getting new equipment easier than ever.

The Coaching Portfolio

Your first impression is everything when applying for a new coaching job.  A professional coaching portfolio is the tool that highlights your coaching achievements and philosophies and, most of all, helps separate you and your abilities from the other applicants. Special Price of just $25 for all Hoop Heads Listeners.

Wealth4Coaches

Empowering athletic coaches with financial education, strategic planning, and practical tools to build lasting wealth—on and off the court.

If you listen to and love the Hoop Heads Podcast, please consider giving us a small tip that will help in our quest to become the #1 basketball coaching podcast. https://hoop-heads.captivate.fm/support

Twitter/X

Podcast - @hoopheadspod

Mike - @hdstarthoops

Jason - @jsunkle

Instagram

@hoopheadspod

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/hoopheadspod/

YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDoVTtvpgwwOVL4QVswqMLQ