Tim Downer

The NKU Athletic Department has announced four finalists in the search for a new men’s head basketball coach.

The final contenders are current NKU assistant coach, Dave Bezold; John Brannen; William H. Brown; and Gregory Kamansky.

While Bezold has been the assumed front-runner for the position, all four candidates have successful resumes and strong basketball histories.

Brannen, who has a bachelor’s from Marshall University, is currently an assistant coach at NCAA Division I school, St. Bonaventure. He also has coaching experience at Eastern Kentucky University and the University of Charleston.

Kamansky currently coaches at Cal Poly Pomona University in Pomona, Calif. He received his bachelor’s from the University of California at San Diego, and his master’s from San Diego State University. He had coaching experience at Fresno Pacific University and the University of California.

Brown, head basketball coach at Division II California University of Pennsylvania, also boasts an impressive resume. He received a bachelor’s from Ohio University. Brown has been head coach at Division I school Sacramento State University, and an assistant coach at NCAA Division I schools like Ohio University, Kent State University and University of Arkansas.

Bezold, an assistant under Shields for the past 14 years, has a bachelor’s from Viterbo College and a master’s from NKU. He served as an assistant coach at Viterbo College and NKU. He coached NKU women’s tennis for two years.

Bezold also has an endorsement from Shields.

It’s unknown whether NBA hall of famer Dave Cowens applied for the job, but he reportedly showed an interest in the position.

Each candidate will be interviewed in open public sessions for the university community to get to know each candidate.

The sessions will be open to faculty, staff and students and will allow candidates to field questions by those in attendance.

Times, Locations for Open Sessions

Gregory Kamansky Friday, April 13 at 10:30 a.m. – UC 108

William H. Brown Tuesday, April 13 at 10:30 a.m. – UC 108

John Brannen Thursday, April 15 at 10:30 a.m – UC 11

Dave Bezold Tuesday, April 20 at 10:30 a.m. – UC 108