Travis Ford Introduced as New UALR Men's Basketball Coach

Former Saint Louis coach takes over Trojans program as it moves to new conference

Apr. 1, 2026 at 7:52am

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The University of Arkansas at Little Rock formally introduced Travis Ford as its new men's basketball coach during a public news conference on Tuesday. Ford, who has 24 years of Division I head coaching experience, takes over a program in transition as UALR prepares to leave the Ohio Valley Conference and join the United Athletic Conference next season.

Why it matters

UALR's men's basketball program has struggled with attendance and performance in recent years, and the school is hoping Ford can help energize the team and fanbase as the Trojans enter a new conference. Ford's extensive coaching experience and track record of success at previous stops make him an intriguing hire as UALR looks to rebuild its basketball identity.

The details

Ford was formally introduced as UALR's 24th head coach at a news conference attended by several hundred people, including current Trojans players. Athletic Director Frank Cuervo and Chancellor Christina Drale welcomed Ford, who said he is excited to get the community engaged and fill the Jack Stephens Center. Ford has 24 years of Division I head coaching experience, including stints at Oklahoma State, UMass, and most recently Saint Louis, where he was fired after a 13-20 season in 2023-24. As a player, Ford had a standout career at Kentucky under Rick Pitino, making the Final Four in 1993.

  • Ford was formally introduced as UALR's new head coach on Tuesday, April 1, 2026.
  • Ford was fired from his previous job at Saint Louis after the 2023-24 season.

The players

Travis Ford

The new head coach of the UALR men's basketball team, with 24 years of Division I head coaching experience at schools like Oklahoma State, UMass, and Saint Louis.

Frank Cuervo

The athletic director at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, who hired Ford as the new head coach of the men's basketball program.

Christina Drale

The chancellor of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, who welcomed Ford at the introductory press conference.

Kachi Nzeh

A player on the UALR men's basketball roster who has announced his intention to enter the NCAA transfer portal.

Johnathan Lawson

A player on the UALR men's basketball roster who has exhausted his eligibility.

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What they’re saying

“One big thing you're going to hear me talk about is obviously getting this community behind this basketball program and getting this arena packed. This is an exciting day for me and my family. We are very honored to be a part of this university, this campus and a part of this community.”

— Travis Ford, New UALR Men's Basketball Coach

“After reviewing the credentials of hundreds of basketball coaches, spanning the college, professional and international games, and talking to dozens of coaches about how special Little Rock is and what I believed it would take to be successful here, all roads kept coming back to one coach. One very special person to be the leader of the Little Rock basketball program, and that was Travis Ford.”

— Frank Cuervo, UALR Athletic Director

What’s next

As UALR prepares to leave the Ohio Valley Conference and enter the United Athletic Conference ahead of next season, the school will need to finalize its roster and coaching staff under Ford's leadership. Several players have already announced plans to enter the transfer portal, so Ford will need to rebuild the team while also generating excitement and increased attendance at the Jack Stephens Center.

The takeaway

The hiring of Travis Ford as UALR's new men's basketball coach represents a fresh start for the program as it transitions to a new conference. Ford's extensive experience and track record of success at previous stops make him an intriguing choice to revitalize the Trojans and reconnect the team with the local community in Little Rock.