Allen University Hires New Women's Basketball Coach

Kevin Herod brings impressive record to lead the program

Apr. 10, 2026 at 3:55pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting a fragmented, geometric representation of a women's basketball game, with sharp planes of navy, green, and gold colors.The hiring of a new women's basketball coach at Allen University signals a renewed commitment to building a competitive program.Columbia Today

Allen University has announced that Kevin Herod will be the new head coach of the women's basketball team. Herod comes to Allen with an impressive 12-year coaching record, including 245 wins, 5 conference championships, 2 tournament titles, and 6 national postseason appearances.

Why it matters

The hiring of Herod represents an important investment in the women's basketball program at Allen University, a historically Black college in Columbia, South Carolina. His proven track record of success and accolades could help elevate the program and attract top talent.

The details

Herod spent the last two seasons as the head coach at Langston University in Oklahoma after an 8-year stint as the head coach and athletic director at Talladega College in Alabama. Over his 12-year career as a head coach, Herod has compiled a 245-105 overall record (.705 winning percentage), won 5 conference championships, 2 tournament titles, and led his teams to 6 national postseason appearances.

  • Herod was announced as the new Allen University women's basketball head coach on April 10, 2026.

The players

Kevin Herod

The new head coach of the Allen University women's basketball team, bringing an impressive 12-year coaching record with him.

Allen University

A historically Black college located in Columbia, South Carolina, that has hired Kevin Herod to lead its women's basketball program.

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What they’re saying

“We are thrilled to welcome Coach Herod to the Allen University family. His proven track record of success and commitment to developing student-athletes makes him the ideal leader to take our women's basketball program to new heights.”

— Dr. Ernest McNealey, President, Allen University

What’s next

Herod will begin his tenure as Allen University's women's basketball head coach immediately, with the team's first game scheduled for November 2026.

The takeaway

The hiring of Kevin Herod as the new women's basketball head coach at Allen University represents a significant investment in the program and a commitment to building a winning culture and attracting top talent to the HBCU institution.