Athletic Director Kurt McGuffin announced the hiring of Ryan Ridder as the UTM head men’s basketball coach Tuesday, March 30.
Ridder joins the Skyhawks after eight seasons as a head coach at Bethune-Cookman University (2017-21) and Daytona State College (2013-17).
A formal meet-and-greet event with Ridder, his wife Jen and daughters Brixton and Remi, was held Wednesday, April 7 on the Champions Club third-floor level of the Hardy Graham Stadium press box.
When asked what McGuffin looks for in a coach his response was, “I want a winner, a family man and someone that has been a head coach.” McGuffin expressed the priority of finding someone with previous experience as a head coach in the public introduction on Wednesday. He also mentioned the desire for one that can turn programs around and build culture.
The 36-year-old Lexington, Kentucky native has proven just that. Ridder was named the 2018 Joe B. Hall Award winner for the nation’s top first-year Division I head coach. He presses an overall 143-73 record as a collegiate head coach, which includes a 59-25 mark against conference opponents.
Being family-oriented, Martin was a huge seller in the decision for Ridder and his family. He says, “For us, it was the family environment. Everybody we talked to says this is the place you want to raise kids.”
Ridder is eager to turn the program into a winning culture and was presented with a No. 12 jersey to represent the 12th head coach in Skyhawk men’s basketball history. He replaces interim coach, Montez Robinson and the late head coach, Anthony Stewart.
For more information on Ridder and his men’s basketball program, visit utmsports.com/sports/mens-basketball.
