Little Rock Announces Leadership Change in Men's Basketball

Head Coach Darrell Walker will not return for the 2026-27 season after 8 years with the Trojans.

Published on Mar. 7, 2026

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The University of Arkansas at Little Rock has announced a leadership change in the Trojan Men's Basketball program. Head Coach Darrell Walker, who led the team for the past 8 seasons, will not be returning for the 2026-27 season. The university's Director of Athletics, Frank M. Cuervo, cited the need for "comprehensive change" and a renewed vision for the program as the reasons behind the decision.

Why it matters

Little Rock's men's basketball team has struggled in recent years, failing to consistently compete for championships in their conference. The leadership change signals the university's desire to revitalize the program and position it for sustained success and NCAA Tournament appearances going forward.

The details

Darrell Walker compiled a 113-133 (.459) overall record during his 8-year tenure as head coach of the Trojans. The university's Director of Athletics, Frank M. Cuervo, said the decision to part ways with Walker followed a comprehensive review of the program. Cuervo expressed the expectation that the new leader will "create momentum, energize our fan base, and guide the program to sustained success with a renewed vision for Trojan Basketball."

  • Darrell Walker led the Trojans for the past 8 seasons.
  • Walker's tenure as head coach will end after the 2026-27 season.

The players

Darrell Walker

The outgoing head coach of the Little Rock Trojans men's basketball team, who led the program for the past 8 seasons.

Frank M. Cuervo

The Director of Athletics at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, who announced the leadership change in the men's basketball program.

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What they’re saying

“On behalf of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, I want to sincerely thank Coach Darrell Walker for his dedicated service to our student-athletes, our department and our university. Coach Walker will always remain a valued member of the Trojan Family. We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to the entire Walker family and wish them nothing but the very best in the future.”

— Frank M. Cuervo, Director of Athletics, University of Arkansas at Little Rock (ktlo.com)

“After thoughtful consideration of the direction of Trojan Men's Basketball, I have determined that our organization is in need of comprehensive change. My expectation is that the program will consistently compete for championships in the new United Athletic Conference and position itself to earn NCAA Tournament berths. I am confident that the right leader will create momentum, energize our fan base, and guide the program to sustained success with a renewed vision for Trojan Basketball.”

— Frank M. Cuervo, Director of Athletics, University of Arkansas at Little Rock (ktlo.com)

What’s next

The university will immediately launch a national search to identify the next leader of the Trojan Men's Basketball team.

The takeaway

This leadership change signals Little Rock's commitment to revitalizing their men's basketball program and positioning it for long-term success. The new head coach will be tasked with energizing the fan base, consistently competing for conference championships, and earning NCAA Tournament berths - a clear shift in the program's direction.