Belmont Withdraws from NIT After Coach's Departure

Long-time head coach Casey Alexander leaves for Kansas State

Mar. 14, 2026 at 11:25pm

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Belmont University has announced that its men's basketball team will not participate in the Postseason NIT tournament, one day after head coach Casey Alexander agreed to a five-year contract with Kansas State. Alexander had coached Belmont for the past seven seasons, leading the team to a 26-6 record and the 2026 Missouri Valley Conference championship this past season.

Why it matters

Belmont's decision to withdraw from the NIT comes as a surprise, as the team had a successful season and was expected to participate in the tournament. The loss of their long-time head coach is likely a significant factor in their choice to forgo postseason play.

The details

Belmont announced their decision to not participate in the NIT in a statement, citing 'recent developments' without providing further details. Alexander, 53, had been Belmont's head coach for the past seven seasons, guiding the team to a 26-6 record and the 2026 Missouri Valley Conference regular season title this year.

  • On March 13, 2026, Belmont announced that head coach Casey Alexander had agreed to a five-year contract with Kansas State.
  • On March 14, 2026, Belmont announced that the men's basketball team would not participate in the Postseason NIT.

The players

Casey Alexander

The former head coach of the Belmont men's basketball team, who has agreed to a five-year contract with Kansas State.

Belmont University

The university whose men's basketball team will not participate in the Postseason NIT after the departure of their long-time head coach.

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What they’re saying

“In light of recent developments, Belmont University men's basketball has elected not to participate in the Postseason NIT.”

— Belmont University

The takeaway

Belmont's decision to withdraw from the NIT tournament highlights the significant impact a head coaching change can have on a college basketball program, even one that had a successful regular season. The loss of a long-time coach like Casey Alexander is a major blow that the Bruins felt was too much to overcome in order to participate in the postseason.