Shaheen Holloway addresses rumors amid report tying him to open coaching job

According to Jerry Carino of the Asbury Park Press, Shaheen Holloway is expected to be announced the Seton Hall Pirates head coach this week. Wednesday is the latest Carino said Holloway will be introduced, just days after losing in the Elite Eight with the Saint Peter’s Peacocks.

“No surprise, but nonetheless: Shaheen Holloway is expected to finalize terms in the coming days to become Seton Hall’s next head coach,” Carino said. “He’ll be introduced no later than Wednesday. A favorite son — the favorite son — is coming home.”

Shortly after the report came out, Holloway was asked about his future with the program. He said the focus is not on that, wanting to be there for his team who is just minutes off losing to the North Carolina Tar Heels.

“I’m not worried about that now,” Holloway said. “Right now I’m worried about those 15 young men whose hearts are broken.”

Holloway played his college basketball at Seton Hall, being in the program for four seasons beginning in 1996. He left in 2000 for the NBA draft and although he went undrafted, played in other leagues for eight years across a few different countries.

When former head coach Kevin Willard was hired in 2010, Holloway was an assistant coach on his staff for eight seasons. Saint Peter’s came calling and a few years later, Holloway is making the historic run in the NCAA Tournament. Now, he will be returning home to be the head coach of his alma mater.

Willard recently left the Pirates, opting to take the Maryland Terrapins job. Consistent as any coach inside of the Big East, Willard went to five tournaments during his time in South Orange. Holloway will be looking to continue on the tradition of appearing in the big dance.

As for who could be next for the Peacocks, Carino mentioned Halloway has been campaigning for Ryan Whalen according to Carino. The current Saint Peter’s assistant coach would keep the momentum of the program rolling, especially when the transfer portal comes calling.

“Holloway has privately and publicly endorsed Ryan Whalen as Saint Peter’s “coach in waiting.” Momentum seems to be gathering behind his right-hand man to take the torch,” Carino said. “Might also help ward off poachers of a solid core of undergrads.”

Playing in the MAAC, Saint Peter’s will be looking to rock the high of the Elite Eight run and bring it into next season, even if Holloway is not with the program. Whalen will have big shoes to fill, as the expectations in Jersey City will be a little higher during the 2022-2023 year.