New Cincinnati Bearcats Basketball Coaching Staff Announced

Jerrod Calhoun brings familiar faces from Utah to lead Bearcats program

Apr. 5, 2026 at 8:03pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting a fragmented, geometric interpretation of a basketball game or practice, with sharp planes of navy, red, and gold colors creating a dynamic, energetic visual.Calhoun's new coaching staff brings a wealth of experience and familiarity to help rebuild the Cincinnati Bearcats basketball program.Cincinnati Today

New Cincinnati Bearcats men's basketball coach Jerrod Calhoun has announced his coaching staff, bringing several assistants with him from his previous job at the University of Utah. The staff includes experienced coaches who have worked with Calhoun for years and are expected to help him quickly rebuild the Bearcats program.

Why it matters

Calhoun was hired as the new head coach after the Bearcats struggled in recent seasons, missing the NCAA Tournament. His ability to assemble a strong coaching staff with familiar faces is seen as crucial to turning the program around and getting the Bearcats back to being a contender in the American Athletic Conference.

The details

Calhoun's new assistant coaches include Nate Tomlinson, who was an assistant under Calhoun at Utah, and Jamelle Elliott, a former Bearcats player and assistant coach who returns to Cincinnati. The staff also includes Darren Savino, who has over 20 years of college coaching experience.

  • Calhoun was hired as the new Bearcats head coach in March 2026.
  • Calhoun introduced his new coaching staff at a press conference on April 5, 2026.

The players

Jerrod Calhoun

The new head coach of the Cincinnati Bearcats men's basketball team, hired in March 2026 after previously serving as an assistant at the University of Utah.

Nate Tomlinson

An assistant coach who is joining Calhoun's staff at Cincinnati after previously working with him at Utah.

Jamelle Elliott

A former Bearcats player and assistant coach who is returning to Cincinnati to join Calhoun's staff.

Darren Savino

An experienced college basketball assistant coach with over 20 years of experience, who is also joining Calhoun's staff at Cincinnati.

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What they’re saying

“I'm thrilled to bring this experienced staff with me to Cincinnati. We've worked together for years and know how to build a winning program.”

— Jerrod Calhoun, Head Coach, Cincinnati Bearcats

“It's an honor to return to my alma mater and help Coach Calhoun get the Bearcats back to the NCAA Tournament.”

— Jamelle Elliott, Assistant Coach, Cincinnati Bearcats

What’s next

The new Bearcats coaching staff will begin recruiting and preparing the team for the 2026-27 season, with the goal of quickly turning the program around and returning it to prominence in the American Athletic Conference.

The takeaway

Calhoun's ability to assemble an experienced and familiar coaching staff is a key first step in his efforts to revive the Cincinnati Bearcats basketball program after several down seasons. The staff's familiarity and track record of success together is expected to provide a solid foundation for rebuilding the team.