NKU Athletic’s announced late Monday that John Brannen would be the next head coach for the men’s basketball team.

“I am humbled and honored to be the next men’s basketball coach at Northern Kentucky University,” Brannen said in an official release from the school. “I want to thank President Mearns, Ken Bothof and the rest of the committee for their belief in me and giving me this opportunity to be a head coach.”

Brannen is coming to NKU after spending six years at the University of Alabama, where he served as associate head coach and interim head coach during which time he lede the team to a first round victory in the 2015 NIT.

Brannen is a graduate of Marshall University and originally from Covington, Ky.

Brannen already has high hopes for NKU’s program.

“Our program promises to bring great pride to the NKU community and we will strive for success on and off the court,” Brannen said in the statement. “ Our goal is to compete for Atlantic Sun Championships while ensuring our players graduate and represent NKU in a first-class manner. I can’t wait to start working and return home to embark on my head coaching career.”

 Athletic Director Ken Bothof wished a warm welcome to Brannen and his family.

“I would like to welcome John [Brannen], his wife Lisa and daughters Katelyn and Jaylee back home to Northern Kentucky,” Bothof said. “John brings successful experience at all levels of collegiate basketball, and I am excited about the future of the Norse men’s basketball program under his leadership.”

NKU will hold a press conference and celebration ceremony at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, April 7 at The Bank of Kentucky Center.