Purcell Marian Hires Veteran Coach for Boys Basketball

Michael 'Bruiser' Holmes brings 15 years of experience to lead the program.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 12:30am

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A cubist-style painting depicting a high school basketball game broken down into overlapping geometric shapes and planes in navy, green, and orange tones, conveying the strategic reshaping of a sports program.The strategic hiring of an experienced coach aims to reshape the fortunes of Purcell Marian's boys basketball program.Cincinnati Today

Purcell Marian High School has announced the hiring of Michael 'Bruiser' Holmes as their new boys basketball coach. Holmes has 15 years of coaching experience and 112 wins during previous stints at Cincinnati College Prep Academy, Western Hills, and Gamble Montessori. He was also a three-time Cincinnati Metro Coach of the Year.

Why it matters

Purcell Marian is looking to rebuild their boys basketball program, and the hiring of the experienced and successful Coach Holmes is seen as a key step in that process. His track record of developing talent and leading teams to victories should provide a boost to the school's basketball fortunes.

The details

Holmes will take over a Purcell Marian program that has struggled in recent years. In his 15 seasons as a head coach, he has compiled an impressive 112-88 record, including multiple Coach of the Year awards in the Cincinnati area.

  • Purcell Marian announced Holmes' hiring on Thursday, April 10, 2026.

The players

Michael 'Bruiser' Holmes

A veteran high school basketball coach with 15 years of experience and 112 career wins at previous stops in the Cincinnati area.

Purcell Marian High School

A private Catholic high school in Cincinnati, Ohio that is looking to revive its boys basketball program with the hiring of Coach Holmes.

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What’s next

Coach Holmes will begin assembling his coaching staff and evaluating the current Purcell Marian roster as he prepares for the upcoming season.

The takeaway

The hiring of the experienced and successful Coach Holmes represents an important investment by Purcell Marian in reviving their boys basketball program. His track record of developing talent and leading teams to victories should provide a much-needed boost to the school's basketball fortunes.