A new era for SIUE basketball
Brian Barone, the current leader of the SIUE Cougars men’s basketball program, announced the hiring of Edwind McGhee as the team’s new head coach, signaling a strategic push toward sustained excellence.
McGhee arrives after two standout seasons at North Park University in Chicago, where he guided the Vikings to back‑to‑back top‑four finishes in the College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin and captured the 2023 CCIW Tournament championship, a run that culminated in an NCAA Sweet Sixteen appearance.
His tenure also featured the program’s first 24‑win season in nearly four decades, underscoring his ability to transform culture and competitiveness.
Prior to his coaching career, McGhee spent four years at DePaul University, earning four‑time Big East All‑Academic honors while contributing as a player.
Barone praised McGhee’s leadership, noting that his track record of building winning programs aligns perfectly with the university’s “Find A Way” mentality, which emphasizes excellence, accountability and holistic student‑athlete development.
The coach’s family will relocate to Edwardsville to support the transition, a move that reinforces the program’s commitment to integrating personal and professional growth.
With McGhee at the helm, SIUE hopes to extend its championship culture and continue its ascent in national collegiate basketball.