New Coaching Additions Strengthen ACU Wildcats' Staff
Abilene Christian University’s men’s basketball program is set for a fresh infusion of talent as head coach Brette Tanner unveiled the 2026‑27 coaching staff. Entering his sixth season, Tanner has already steered the Wildcats to a WAC tournament quarterfinal and helped Rich Smith earn Defensive Player of the Year honors. The new appointments signal a continued push to elevate the program’s national profile.
Darren Best, a coach with a decade of experience across Australia and Tasmania, joins the staff after stints that include a role as High Performance Coach for Basketball Victoria and leadership of the Casey Basketball Association. He has also guided state teams such as U18 Queensland South to a silver medal, building a reputation as a developer of elite talent.
Marlon McCoy brings a blend of academic and professional experience, having served as a graduate assistant at Florida State and Arizona State and as offensive coordinator for the Nike‑backed Drive Nation. His four‑year tenure at Richardson High School, coupled with extensive scouting work, equips him to contribute immediately to player development and game planning.
The additions come at a time when the Wildcats are looking to build on recent successes, including Bradyn Hubbard’s record‑setting 520‑point season that earned him All‑WAC first‑team honors. With Best’s international perspective and McCoy’s recruiting acumen, Tanner believes the roster is positioned to contend for deeper tournament runs.