A New Chapter for Chad Kline
Chad Kline, who spent two years shaping the men’s basketball program at Southeast Arkansas College, announced his resignation on Monday to accept the same dual role at Fort Scott Community College in Kansas. The move, first reported by the local press, marks a swift transition for the coach who had built the team from the ground up after being hired in February 2023.
Kline’s departure comes as he cited a personal pull toward his hometown of McPherson, Kansas, where family ties and a desire for closer proximity influenced his decision. In a statement to SEARK President Tyrone Jackson and Vice President Debbie Wallace, he expressed gratitude for the support he received from Dr. Steven Bloomberg and Debbie Wallace during his tenure.
Softball coach Doug Wingler has been tapped as interim athletic director while the college searches for a permanent replacement. Wingler will also oversee the hiring of a new women’s basketball coach, a position that became vacant after James Thatcher stepped down after just six months on the job. Interviews for that role are slated to begin shortly, with a men’s basketball successor expected by mid‑June.
Under Kline’s guidance, the inaugural men’s basketball squad posted a 20‑9 overall record and a 11‑6 mark in Region 2, eventually cracking the NJCAA Division II top‑25 poll. The following season saw the team finish 15‑13 overall and 10‑11 in conference play, a testament to the foundation he laid. He also acknowledged the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff for hosting SEARK’s home games, a partnership that helped broaden the program’s visibility.
Kline’s exit underscores the growing mobility of community‑college coaches, many of whom chase opportunities that align with personal and professional aspirations. As Fort Scott Community College prepares to welcome him, the transition will be closely watched by peers and players alike, who hope the new environment will continue the upward trajectory he sparked at SEARK.