Siena Hires Nevada Smith as New Head Basketball Coach

Smith, with NBA and Division I experience, takes over Saints program after NCAA tournament appearance

Apr. 1, 2026 at 10:37pm

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Nevada Smith, a former assistant coach at Marquette and Texas with ties to the NBA's Miami Heat, has been hired as the new head basketball coach at Siena College. Smith replaces Gerry McNamara, who left Siena after two seasons to become the head coach at his alma mater, Syracuse University.

Why it matters

Siena is coming off its first NCAA tournament appearance since 2010, and the hiring of Smith signals the school's commitment to building on that success. Smith's background includes head coaching experience in the NBA G League as well as assistant roles at the Division I level, which could help elevate the Saints program.

The details

Smith, 45, spent the last five seasons as an assistant coach under Shaka Smart at Marquette. Prior to that, he had assistant coaching stints with the University of Texas and in the NBA G League with the Sioux Falls Skyforce and Rio Grande Valley Vipers. He has also been a head coach at the Division III level. Siena president Chuck Seifert cited Smith's 'sophisticated basketball mind' and 'proven winner' status as key factors in the hiring.

  • On March 19, 2026, Siena's men's basketball team, seeded 16th, put up a strong fight against Duke in the first round of the NCAA tournament.
  • On April 1, 2026, Siena announced the hiring of Nevada Smith as its new head basketball coach.

The players

Nevada Smith

The new head basketball coach at Siena College, with previous assistant coaching experience at Marquette, Texas, and in the NBA G League.

Gerry McNamara

The former Siena head coach who left the program after two seasons to become the head coach at his alma mater, Syracuse University.

Shaka Smart

The head basketball coach at Marquette, where Nevada Smith served as an assistant coach for the past five seasons.

Erik Spoelstra

The head coach of the NBA's Miami Heat, who has had a relationship with Nevada Smith through his time coaching in the Heat's G League affiliate.

Chuck Seifert

The president of Siena College, who cited Smith's 'sophisticated basketball mind' and 'proven winner' status as key factors in the hiring.

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What they’re saying

“My family and I could not be more excited to arrive in the Capital Region and become a part of the Siena community. I am honored and humbled to be able to lead this program, and build upon the momentum created by Gerry McNamara, his staff, and the great players who have proudly worn the Siena jersey throughout the years.”

— Nevada Smith, New Siena Head Basketball Coach

“We were really rooting for this opportunity. He could have been a head coach probably at a different school, different level, the last few years. He has a great, innovative coaching mind and I think his experience with Shaka Smart the last several years has really taken his acumen and understanding of everything at that big-time level to even a different level than what he was before.”

— Erik Spoelstra, Miami Heat Head Coach

“Nevada is a proven winner with a sophisticated basketball mind.”

— Chuck Seifert, Siena College President

What’s next

Siena fans will be eager to see how Smith's coaching style and experience translate to the Saints program as they look to build on their recent NCAA tournament appearance.

The takeaway

The hiring of Nevada Smith, with his strong background at the Division I and professional levels, signals Siena's commitment to elevating its men's basketball program and sustaining its recent success. Smith's innovative approach and proven track record could help the Saints take the next step in becoming a consistent contender in the MAAC conference.