BREAKING NEWS: “I Am Coming Back to Revive the Team to Champion level and See Us Win Again,” Says Former Head coach Mike Balado as He Returns to Arkansas Basketball as New…
university in March 2023 after six seasons, compiling an 82-100 record. During his tenure, the Red Wolves finished above .500 only once, with an 18-11 overall record and 8-7 in Sun Belt play in the 2021-22 season.
Mike Balado’s Coaching Background
Mike Balado was named the 16th head coach in Arkansas State’s history on March 20, 2017. He came to Arkansas State after spending four seasons as an assistant coach at the University of Louisville. During his time at Louisville, the Cardinals posted a 106-32 overall record, with notable achievements including¹ ²:
– *NCAA Sweet 16*: Advancing to the Sweet 16 in the 2013-14 season
– *NCAA Elite Eight*: Reaching the Elite Eight in the 2014-15 season
– *NCAA Second Round*: Participating in the Second Round of the NCAA Tournament in 2016-17
Coaching Experience and Achievements
Before joining Louisville, Balado worked as an assistant coach at various institutions, including:
– *Florida International University*: Helping the Panthers achieve their first winning season in 13 years with an 18-14 record
– *High Point University*: Assisting in all areas of the Panther basketball program with a focus on recruiting
– *University of Miami*: Contributing to a 19-13 record and a National Invitation Tournament (NIT) berth
Post-Arkansas State Stint
After parting ways with Arkansas State, there’s no available information confirming Mike Balado’s return to the university or his involvement in any new coaching position. Arkansas State has begun searching for its 17th all-time head men’s basketball coach, aiming to advance the program and consistently compete for championships.³
Mike Balado is a seasoned basketball coach with extensive experience in the collegiate level. Here’s what’s notable about his career¹ ² ³:
– *Early Coaching Career*: Balado began his coaching journey as a graduate assistant at Augusta State University from 1998 to 2000. He then moved on to various assistant coaching positions at institutions like Nova Southeastern University, Miami Dade College, Florida Atlantic University, and High Point University.
– *Notable Stints*:
– *University of Louisville*: Balado served as an assistant coach from 2013 to 2017 under Coach Rick Pitino. During his tenure, the Cardinals achieved remarkable success, including a 106-32 overall record, NCAA Sweet 16 appearance, and NCAA Elite Eight appearance.
– *Florida International University*: As an assistant coach in the 2012-2013 season, Balado contributed to the Panthers’ first winning season in 13 years, with an 18-14 record.
– *Florida Atlantic University*: Balado worked as an assistant coach from 2005 to 2008, helping the Owls achieve consecutive winning seasons and setting program records for scoring.
– *Head Coaching Experience*: Balado was named the 16th head coach in Arkansas State University’s history on March 20, 2017. During his six-season tenure, he guided the Red Wolves to 82 wins, with notable achievements including:
– *2021-2022 Season*: The Red Wolves posted an 18-11 overall record and 8-7 in Sun Belt play, finishing above .500.
– *Norchad Omier*: Balado recruited and oversaw the development of Omier, the 2022 Sun Belt Player of the Year and Sun Belt Defensive Player of the Year.
– *Current Update*: Mike Balado parted ways with Arkansas State in March 2023. Recently, he was hired as the athletic director at Miami Dade College, marking a new chapter in his career.⁴
