The University of Akron Athletics
Dustin Ford Introduced as University of Akron Head Men's Basketball Coach
April 15 | Men's Basketball
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AKRON, Ohio - The University of Akron officially introduced Dustin Ford as the 23rd head coach in Akron men's basketball history on April 15, 2026.
"I believe the future for Akron men's basketball is as bright as ever," said Akron Director of Athletics Dr. Andrew T. Goodrich. "We look forward to the next championship level of basketball under the guidance of Dustin Ford. Dustin's impact on the men's basketball program has been immense. As our Associate Head Coach for the past nine seasons, he crafted our championship-winning strategies, developed our players' leadership skills on and off the court and has proven to be a great teacher of the game of basketball."
"It's a special day for me and my family to be named the next head men's basketball coach at the University of Akron." said Head Coach Dustin Ford. "I'd like to thank our current and former players. You don't get great opportunities in this business without great players. The foundation is sturdy, the house has been built, all we plan on doing is painting a couple of rooms, moving some furniture, and maybe change a light fixture," said Ford. "We will not lose focus of developing student-athletes on the court and help them learn lessons through basketball that will help them throughout a lifetime."
Ford served as the Associate Head Coach on former head coach John Groce's staff at Akron for the last nine seasons. He played a pivotal role in Akron's six Mid-American Conference championships, including three consecutive MAC Tournament titles and four NCAA postseason appearances in the last five seasons. He now takes over the program as it looks to build on its historic success in the MAC.
During his nine-year tenure at Akron, Ford helped develop the Zips into one of the MAC's most consistent contenders, while developing frontcourt players Enrique Freeman and Amani Lyles. He has also made significant coaching contributions at Illinois and Ohio during his career.
Ford began his coaching career after a standout playing career at Ohio, where he started all four seasons. He spent four seasons as head varsity coach at Jackson High School in Jackson, Ohio, before moving to the collegiate level.
He joined Larry Hunter's staff at Western Carolina in 2006, serving as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator. During his time there, Ford helped develop multiple Southern Conference award winners, including two defensive players of the year and the league's freshman of the year. He was promoted to associate head coach in 2008.
From 2008 to 2012, Ford worked alongside Groce at Ohio, helping lead the Bobcats to two MAC championships and two NCAA Tournament appearances, including a Sweet 16 run in 2012. He later spent five seasons as an assistant coach at Illinois, where the Fighting Illini posted a 95-75 record and made four postseason appearances, including an NCAA Tournament berth in 2013.
As head coach, Ford is poised to continue the winning tradition through his commitment to player development and maintaining a high-level of play.
