Courtesy: Hartford Athletic Communications
WEST HARTFORD, Conn. – Director of Athletics Patricia H. Meiser has named John Gallagher as the 10th coach in the 61-year history of the University of Hartford men’s basketball program. Gallagher will make his return to the Hartford sidelines after spending two seasons as the Hawks’ associate head coach from 2006-08. He spent the past two seasons on Glen Miller’s staff at Penn.
“In John Gallagher we have someone whose passion for the game is unparalleled and someone who has devoted his life to the sport of basketball,” said Meiser. “He brings a high energy level, tireless work ethic and a set of values we believe our players will emulate. Coach Gallagher knows the University and believes in what we are trying to accomplish here. We are fortunate to be able to bring an individual of his character and basketball resume on board.”
“I am ecstatic to be back in Hartford,” said Gallagher. “I can’t wait to get started. The Hartford community means a lot to me and I can not wait to embrace this challenge.”
In Gallagher’s two seasons at Hartford, the Hawks compiled a 31-34 mark; including a Division I record 18 wins in 2007-08. That season, the Hawks went on to finish second in the America East regular season and made the program’s first trip to the America East Championship game.
Gallagher spent his two seasons in Hartford implementing a new motion offense for the Hawks. The result was a scoring average of 62.1 points per game in his first year and 70.8 points per game in his second year, both of which led to double figure wins in each season. Hartford’s perimeter offense also accounted for a school-record 206 three-pointers in his first season and 312 in his second season, which set an America East Conference record.
"I am delighted we have been able to attract John back to the University,” said University of Hartford President Walter Harrison. “He is one of ours, and as associate head coach here he distinguished himself through his character, his leadership, his energy, and his infectiously positive spirit. A week ago I never would have predicted this turn of events, but all's well that ends well. I am looking forward to great success for Hartford Men's Basketball under John's leadership."
Prior to his first stint at Hartford, Gallagher was the top assistant for Fran O’Hanlon’s staff at Lafayette College. At Lafayette he served as the program’s top recruiter, while he was responsible for developing the team’s guards.
Gallagher arrived at Lafayette by way of La Salle University where he coached five seasons, two of which came under Big 5 legend Speedy Morris and the final three under Billy Hahn. He jumped right into coaching upon graduating from Saint Joseph’s University in 1999.
His coaching tenure followed a successful playing career at Saint Joseph’s, where he was a guard for three seasons and a member of the 1996 squad that advanced to the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16.
Gallagher is one of four siblings in a basketball-rich family, as his sisters Ann and Joan both played college basketball at La Salle and Boston College, respectively. Gallagher and his wife, Geneva, welcomed their first daughter, Kenna, in November of 2008.