Chattanooga Mocs men's basketball head coach Dan Earl announced this week that Tom Kiely will return to the program as an assistant coach for the 2026‑27 season, injecting a mix of experience and continuity that the staff hopes will propel the team forward.
A Familiar Face Returns
Kiely first served as the Mocs' Director of Basketball Operations during Earl's inaugural campaign before spending three seasons at Farleigh Dickinson, where he helped shape a program that produced five All‑NEC selections and earned a reputation for astute recruiting.
During his earlier stint with the Mocs, Kiely played a pivotal role in guiding the team to the 2023 SoCon Tournament title game and mentoring standout forward Jake Stephens, whose development exemplified the coach's ability to nurture talent on the court.
A Strategic Addition
Earl emphasized that Kiely's return is not merely nostalgic but strategic, offering a fresh perspective on scouting and player development that aligns with the program's long‑term goals.
The coaching staff believes that Kiely's blend of operational acumen and on‑court mentorship will reinforce the Mocs' competitive edge as they aim to contend for conference supremacy and secure another berth in the NCAA tournament.