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Florence Today
By the People, for the People
North Alabama Hires NAIA Champion Coach as Assistant
Drew Stutts, a Florence native, joins UNA men's basketball staff after leading Freed-Hardeman to NAIA title.
Apr. 2, 2026 at 3:22pm
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The University of North Alabama has hired Drew Stutts, a Florence native who recently led Freed-Hardeman University to the NAIA national championship, as an assistant coach for the UNA men's basketball team. Stutts, a UNA alumnus, spent the last eight seasons as Freed-Hardeman's head coach, compiling a 174-52 record and winning NAIA titles in 2024 and 2026.
Why it matters
Stutts' hiring represents a homecoming for the Florence native, who will now have the opportunity to coach at his alma mater. His successful tenure at the NAIA level, including two national championships, is expected to provide valuable experience and leadership to the UNA program.
The details
Stutts, who led Freed-Hardeman to its second NAIA national championship in three seasons this year, is joining the University of North Alabama's men's basketball staff as an assistant coach. The school announced the move on Thursday. Stutts spent eight seasons as the head coach at Freed-Hardeman and compiled a 174-52 record. During his time as head coach, the program had four All-Americans and 10 all-conference players.
- Stutts led Freed-Hardeman to the NAIA national title in 2024 and 2026.
- Stutts was announced as the new UNA assistant coach on Thursday, April 2, 2026.
The players
Drew Stutts
A Florence native and UNA alumnus who recently led Freed-Hardeman University to the NAIA national championship as head coach.
Tony Pujol
The head coach of the University of North Alabama men's basketball team.
Dr. Josh Looney
The athletic director at the University of North Alabama.
What they’re saying
“This is a special moment for North Alabama Basketball. Drew Stutts is highly regarded in the Shoals community and is a well-respected basketball coach. What he accomplished as a national championship head coach at the NAIA level speaks volumes about his ability to build a winning culture, develop players and lead at a high level.”
— Tony Pujol, UNA Head Coach
“I'm beyond excited to be joining the UNA basketball program. I want to sincerely thank athletic director Dr. Josh Looney and head coach Tony Pujol for this incredible opportunity. Coming back home to the Shoals to coach at my and my wife Amanda's alma mater is truly a dream come true. I know without a doubt that God has had His hand in every step of this journey.”
— Drew Stutts
What’s next
Stutts is expected to join the UNA coaching staff immediately and begin preparing for the upcoming season.
The takeaway
Stutts' hiring represents a homecoming for the Florence native, who will now have the opportunity to coach at his alma mater and bring his championship-winning experience to the UNA men's basketball program.
