A New Era for DePaul Basketball
DePaul University's men's basketball head coach Chris Holtmann revealed this week that the school has locked in his entire assistant coaching cadre through the 2028 season, a move that underscores the program's rapid ascent.
The extensions, which run until the end of the 2027‑28 academic year, come as the Blue Demons enjoy the largest KenPom improvement in the nation and the best finish in BIG EAST history, a testament to the staff's collaborative impact.
Holtmann, who took the helm in 2023, emphasized that continuity among the assistants is vital as the team builds on its recent momentum, aiming to sustain competitive edge in the increasingly deep conference.
Among the retained assistants, Jack Owens has emerged as a key architect in developing the program's frontcourt, a role highlighted by the breakout of sophomore forward NJ Benson, who topped the BIG EAST in dunks and ranked fifth in rebounds per game during the 2025‑26 campaign.
Bryan Mullins, a Chicago native who returned to his hometown after five years at Southern Illinois, brings a proven track record of success; his Salukis posted an 86‑68 record and earned six All‑Conference honors under his guidance.
Paris Parham, whose coaching journey spans three decades and includes stints at Illinois and Illinois State, adds depth of experience that Holtmann believes will further elevate the squad's tactical versatility.
LaVall Jordan, who previously steered Butler to two 20‑win seasons between 2017 and 2022, contributes a winning pedigree that aligns with DePaul's ambition to climb the national rankings.
Brandon Bailey, known for shaping the Blue Demons into a defensively disciplined unit, has already positioned the team among the program's most efficient defensive outfits, a metric that places them within the top 35 nationally.
Looking Ahead
The extended contracts provide stability as the staff prepares for the upcoming 2026‑27 season, a period in which fans and analysts alike will watch closely to see if the Blue Demons can translate their historic gains into sustained excellence.