College recruits former coach Ben Howlett from West Liberty to lead men's basketball team at IU Indianapolis.
IU Indianapolis has named Ben Howlett as the new head coach of the men's basketball program, effective immediately. Howlett had been coaching Division II West Liberty (WV) but will now lead the Jaguars after the university terminated Paul Corsaro's contract earlier this month due to his handling of players.
Howlett becomes the 12th men's basketball coach in IU Indy's history. He replaces Corsaro, who had only been with the Jaguars for one season. In a statement, Howlett expressed excitement about the opportunity to build a winning program in Indianapolis, promising an up-tempo style of play and a focus on academic success for student-athletes.
The 40-year-old coach brings an impressive record with him to IU Indy. During his eight-year tenure at West Liberty, he compiled a record of 217-37 and led the team to eight straight Mountain East Conference regular-season titles and eight consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances. In 2023, his squad reached the Division II championship game, ultimately falling short of the title.
As an assistant coach for West Liberty under Jim Crutchfield, Howlett helped the Hilltoppers reach six NCAA Tournament berths, five Sweet Sixteens, four Elite Eights, two Final Fours, and the 2014 national championship game. He was also a three-time MEC Coach of the Year and earned Atlantic District Coach of the Year honors this past season.
IU Indianapolis struggled last season with an overall record of 10-24 and a conference record of 6-14 in the Horizon League. Now, with the arrival of Howlett, fans are optimistic about the future of the program. IU President Pamela Whitten expressed confidence in Howlett's ability to optimize the academic and athletic culture for the student-athletes.
Howlett will now turn his attention to assembling his coaching staff and roster for the 2025-26 season. With his extensive coaching experience and proven track record of success, the IU Indy Jaguars are poised for a resurgence.
The new IU Indy head coach, Ben Howlett, is anticipated to help the struggling Jaguars, having led West Liberty (WV) to eight consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances, including a Division II championship game in 2023. Moreover, as an assistant coach, Howlett played a significant role in West Liberty's NCAA-basketball success, helping the team reach two Final Fours and a national championship game. With the NAIA-basketball season approaching, Howlett's focus will be on building a winning program, prioritizing academic success and an up-tempo style of play.
