Frank Martin comments on new head coaching opportunity at UMass

It’s official. Frank Martin is the new head coach at UMass.

The Minutemen announced the hire on Friday in a press release. Earlier Friday, reports surfaced saying the deal was virtually done and an announcement was coming soon. It comes less than two weeks after South Carolina agreed to part ways with Martin after 10 years at the helm.

Martin has another connection to UMass, as well. His wife, Anya, is a 1998 UMass alumna, meaning she’s heading back to her college campus. In a statement, he expressed his excitement to take over the Atlantic 10 Conference program.

“Anya and I have never been more excited to call a place home like we are with UMass,” Martin stated. “It is evident that there is tremendous alignment in place to win and do it the right way. We cannot wait to be in Amherst and represent that community and our incredible University.

“Let’s all get on this ride together, let’s dream big and let’s be relentless at making our dreams a reality. Let’s win! Go UMass!” 

More on UMass’ pursuit of Frank Martin

Talks between UMass and Martin heated up this week as he met with athletic director Ryan Bamford. UMass offered Martin the job Thursday after a second meeting between the two sides — just one day after reports cited him as a favorite to replace Matt McCall. McCall was let go earlier this month.

Martin spent the last 10 years as the head coach at South Carolina. He amassed a 171-147 record, including a 79-99 mark in SEC action. The Gamecocks went 18-13 overall and 9-9 in league play this season, but missed out on the NCAA Tournament for the fourth straight time. The last time South Carolina played in the big dance, it made the 2017 Final Four, where it fell to Gonzaga.

Now, he’s heading to Amherst. Bamford made quite a splash to replace McCall, who held the job for five seasons.

“We are thrilled to welcome Frank, Anya ’98 and the Martin family back to the Commonwealth to lead our proud basketball program,” Bamford said in a statement. “This is an exciting time for Massachusetts basketball, our university and all who follow and support the Minutemen.

“First and foremost, Frank is a tremendous person. He is a proven winner and a highly respected coach and mentor who has forged deep relationships with the young men in his program, resulting in inspiring competitive success and a rewarding student-athlete experience. Under Coach Martin’s leadership, the future is bright for Massachusetts basketball.”