James Madison tabs Morehead State's Preston Spradlin as coach

James Madison hired Morehead State's Preston Spradlin as its new coach and signed him to a six-year contract, the school announced Friday.

Financial terms were not disclosed for Spradlin, who guided the Eagles to their second NCAA appearance in the last four seasons. Morehead State notched a program-record in wins (26) before it dropped an 85-69 decision to Illinois on March 21 in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

A two-time Ohio Valley Conference Coach of the Year, Spradlin posted a 140-109 record in eight seasons with the Eagles.

"Preston stood out at the top of our list as we researched candidates based upon the resume that he's built at a very young age as a head coach," James Madison athletic director Jeff Bourne said in a release. "Once we met with him, it was even more evident that he's the total package in a head coach. The results speak for themselves, but beyond the results we found a genuine and authentic coach and teacher who cares about his student-athletes, about his institution and the community."

Spradlin, 37, will replace Mark Byington, who accepted the Vanderbilt job earlier this week.

"My family and I are extremely excited for the opportunity to lead the JMU program and take over during a monumental time for the University," Spradlin said in the release. "Throughout this process it was of the upmost importance that we not only found a great basketball program but also a caring community that we can embrace and continue to raise our family. We are looking forward to connecting with the many supporters of JMU Athletics and partnering together to compete for future championships."

Under Byington, the Dukes (32-4) set a program record for wins this season. They defeated No. 5 Wisconsin 72-61 in a South Region opener before they were eliminated 93-55 by Duke.

—Field Level Media