Charleston Southern removes interim tag for coach Saah Nimley

Saah Nimley will remain the head coach of his alma mater, Charleston Southern, after serving as the interim coach for most of this season.

The school announced Monday that Nimley would keep the job beyond this season. Nimley, 30, took over after Barclay Redenbaugh resigned following a 2-5 start last November.

The Buccaneers finished the regular season 10-19 (6-10 Big South) and will play UNC Asheville on Friday in the conference tournament quarterfinals.

"I am thankful for the players and the staff who have shown resilience in the face of challenges this season," Nimley said in a statement. "This program has opened doors for me that I never imagined, and I am committed to giving back and helping these young men reach their full potential. Buc Nation, get ready for an exciting journey ahead."

Nimley was an AP All-America honorable mention and Big South Player of the Year in 2014-15, his fourth and final season as a player at Charleston Southern. He ranks first all-time in career assists (511) and third in points (1,866), making him the only player in Big South history to record more than 1,800 points and more than 500 assists.

"This is truly a special day in the history of Charleston Southern basketball," vice president for intercollegiate athletics Jeff Barber said in a statement. "To have the opportunity to name a head coach who is considered by many as the best player to have ever played their sport at their alma mater is unique. Saah Nimley is the perfect fit for our head coach position, and I am blessed to have the opportunity to work with him in the days ahead."

—Field Level Media