Iona University Athletics

NEW ROCHELLE, NY - Iona University men's basketball head coach Rick Pitino announced the addition of Bob Walsh to his coaching staff. Walsh will serve as an assistant coach with the Gaels after spending the last three seasons as Associate Director of Player Development, Scouting and Recruiting Coordination at Providence College. His return to New Rochelle is a return to the place where his coaching career started in the mid-1990s.
 
"We're excited to have Bob join our staff for the upcoming season," said Pitino. "After starting his career at Iona and serving as both an assistant and a head coach for nearly 30 years, he brings a lot of experience that will complement our staff well."
 
Walsh began his second stint at Providence under head coach Ed Cooley in August 2019. He oversaw the development, scouting and recruiting efforts for the men's basketball program. He previously was an assistant coach with the Friars from 1998-2005.
 
Walsh joins the Iona staff with significant experience, including 13 years as an NCAA head coach. He was head coach at the University of Maine from 2014-18. Prior to Maine, Walsh was head coach at Division II Rhode Island College for nine seasons from 2005-14. In his 13 years as a head coach, Walsh posted a 228-163 mark (.583), including a 137-79 record (.634) in conference play. He guided RIC to eight NCAA Tournament appearances, which included three Sweet 16s and one Elite 8.
 
Walsh began his career as a graduate assistant with the Iona athletics department and the men's basketball program in 1994.  After two years with the Maroon & Gold, he joined the staff at University of San Diego as an assistant coach in 1997-98. Walsh came back East after one season to join former Iona head coach Tim Welsh's staff at Providence in 1998. As an assistant at Providence, he helped guide the Friars to the NCAA Tournament in 2001 and 2004. He also helped mentor Friar all-time leading scorer Ryan Gomes.
 
Walsh is the founder of the Dynamic Leadership Academy for young leaders and coaches. Walsh also is the host of the Dynamic Leadership Podcast on AthleticDirectorU.com.
 
A 1994 graduate of Hamilton College with a degree in sociology and holds a master's degree in Mass Communication and Public Relations from Iona. His father, the late Don Walsh, was a 1966 graduate of Iona was inducted into the Athletics Hall of Fame in 2005 as a valued friend, benefactor, and volunteer for the Athletics Department for over 30 years. The Gaels' softball field is named in his honor and an award in his name is presented annually by the athletics department to an individual who has demonstrated loyal support and service to Iona Athletics through exceptional volunteerism.