Report: Western Carolina hiring Tim Craft as head coach

Field Level Media|published: 03/13/2024, 3:14pm EDT

Nov 12, 2023; Waco, Texas, USA; Gardner Webb Runnin Bulldogs head coach Tim Craft reacts to a play against the Baylor Bears during the first half at Ferrell Center. credits: Chris Jones-USA TODAY Sports

Western Carolina wasted little time filling its head coaching vacancy, hiring away longtime Gardner-Webb coach Tim Craft to lead the Catamounts, the Field of 68 reported Wednesday.

Craft would replace Justin Gray, who was named the new head coach at Coastal Carolina on Monday.

Craft went 188-166 in 11 seasons at Gardner-Webb, including leading the Runnin' Bulldogs to a 17-16 finish this season. They finished third in the Big South with an 11-5 mark before losing in the conference tournament semifinals to end their season.

Western Carolina went 22-10 this season under Gray, who led the Catamounts to back-to-back winning seasons for the first time in 13 years. They finished fourth in the Southern Conference this season.

—Field Level Media