Porter Moser became the 15th head coach of the Oklahoma men’s basketball program, the school announced Saturday.
The former Loyola Chicago coach will be formally introduced this coming week on campus. He replaces Lon Kruger, who retired late last month.
“I have so much respect for Coach Kruger. He’s one of the icons of our profession,” Moser said. “The fact that he was at Oklahoma shows that OU covets character. He’s everything that young coaches should aspire to. He’s all about winning the right way. I look forward to continuing that blueprint and continuing the blueprint we had at Loyola: winning the right way.
“I’m thrilled to join a program that is so focused on culture, people and excellence. I’m looking forward to diving in and building relationships with our players, the other coaches and the OU community.”
Moser guided the Ramblers on two memorable NCAA Tournament runs — reaching the Final Four in 2018 and the Sweet 16 this season.
Loyola Chicago went 26-5 this season, including NCAA tourney victories over Georgia Tech and No. 1 seed Illinois. The Ramblers’ season ended with a loss to Oregon State last Saturday.
“We are absolutely thrilled to announce and welcome Porter Moser as our next great OU head coach,” Sooners director of athletics Joe Castiglione said. “As we dug deep into the backgrounds of candidates, his attributes, acumen and record of success totally aligned with what we were seeking. He’s a purposeful and proven leader who prioritizes positive culture, accountability, academics, player development, innovation, transparent communication and a holistic approach to the student-athlete experience.
“Porter is also a bright, energetic and tireless recruiter who will similarly engage all stakeholders related to the future success of Oklahoma men’s basketball.”
Moser, 52, has a 188-141 record in 10 seasons at Loyola Chicago, but is a stellar 99-36 over the past four seasons.
Read More: RECAP: Defensive-minded Oregon State knocks out Loyola Chicago in Sweet 16
Moser’s best season was the 32-6 mark in 2017-18 when the No. 11 seed Ramblers upset Miami, Tennessee and Nevada and then routed Kansas State to reach the Final Four. The dream season ended with a 69-57 loss to Michigan.
The two deep tourney forays turned team chaplain “Sister Jean” into a beloved national figure. The 101-year-old’s real name is Jean Dolores Schmidt.
Moser is a native of the Chicago suburb of Naperville. He also has been a head coach at Little Rock (54-34 in three seasons) and Illinois State (51-67 in four seasons) and has a 293-242 overall mark over 17 seasons.
Oklahoma posted a 16-11 record overall and 9-8 mark in the Big 12 Conference this season. The Sooners notched a 72-68 win over Missouri in their first NCAA Tournament game before dropping an 87-71 decision to Gonzaga on March 22.
–Field Level Media