Canisius Coach Will Take Over At Richmond

The University of Richmond hired John Beilein of Canisius College on Friday to lead the struggling Spiders basketball program.

Washington State’s Kevin Eastman had been a candidate before withdrawing. Eastman’s possible candidacy was revived this week when a Virginia newspaper quoted anonymous sources as saying UR athletic director Chuck Boone was making a last-ditch effort to lure Eastman back to his alma mater.

Beilein, 44, had an 89-62 record in five years at Canisius, including 17-12 this season. The Golden Griffins made three postseason appearances in five years, including a berth in the 1996 NCAA Tournament. Canisius went to the semifinals of the NIT in 1995, losing to eventual champion Virginia Tech.

“John Beilein is a proven winner. … His teaching skills are superb and are reflected in the fact that he has had much success on every level he has coached,” Boone said.

Beilein has had 20-win seasons at the junior college, NAIA, NCAA Division II and Division I levels.

Bill Dooley was fired at the end of a 13-25 season. Dooley was 43-69 in four seasons.