Travis Ford takes over as new head coach for Arkansas Little Rock

Former Kentucky star player looks to revive struggling Trojans basketball program

Apr. 2, 2026 at 6:21am

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Travis Ford, a former standout guard at the University of Kentucky, has been named the new head basketball coach for the Arkansas Little Rock Trojans. Ford, who has previous head coaching experience at several Division I programs, is tasked with turning around a Trojans team that has struggled in recent seasons.

Why it matters

Ford's hiring represents a high-profile move for the Arkansas Little Rock program, which is hoping his pedigree as a successful player and coach can help elevate the team back to prominence in the Sun Belt Conference. The Trojans have not made the NCAA Tournament since 2015, and Ford will be under pressure to quickly rebuild the program.

The details

Ford, 48, has over 15 years of head coaching experience, including stints at Massachusetts, Oklahoma State, and Saint Louis University. He led Oklahoma State to the NCAA Tournament three times during his eight-year tenure. The Trojans are hoping Ford's track record of success and ability to recruit top talent can translate to their program.

  • Ford was officially named the new head coach of Arkansas Little Rock on April 1, 2026.
  • He will begin his duties with the Trojans immediately, taking over the program for the 2026-27 season.

The players

Travis Ford

A former standout guard at the University of Kentucky, Ford has over 15 years of head coaching experience at the Division I level, including successful tenures at Massachusetts, Oklahoma State, and Saint Louis University.

Eddie Ford

Travis Ford's father, who has provided support and guidance throughout his coaching career.

Arkansas Little Rock Trojans

The Division I basketball program that has hired Travis Ford as its new head coach, tasked with reviving a team that has struggled in recent seasons.

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What they’re saying

“I'm excited to get to work with the Trojans and help build this program back to where it needs to be. Arkansas Little Rock has a proud basketball tradition, and I'm confident we can get things turned around quickly.”

— Travis Ford, New Head Coach, Arkansas Little Rock Trojans

What’s next

Ford will immediately begin assembling his coaching staff and evaluating the current Trojans roster, with the goal of implementing his system and recruiting new talent to help turn the program around.

The takeaway

The hiring of Travis Ford represents a significant investment by Arkansas Little Rock in its basketball program, as the school looks to leverage Ford's pedigree and coaching experience to quickly revive a struggling Trojans team and return it to relevance in the Sun Belt Conference.