Full Breakdown
Georgia Tech Hires Scott Cross as New Men's Basketball Head Coach
3/21/2026, 4:46:15 AM
Key Details of the Hiring
Georgia Tech has officially hired Scott Cross, the former head coach of Troy University, to lead its men's basketball program. The announcement was made on March 20, 2026, following the conclusion of Cross's season with Troy, where he led the team to consecutive NCAA tournament appearances and back-to-back Sun Belt regular-season championships. Cross has signed a five-year contract with Georgia Tech, as confirmed by sources including ESPN's Pete Thamel.
Cross's coaching career spans 19 seasons, during which he has accumulated 350 career victories, including a successful tenure at the University of Texas at Arlington (UT Arlington) from 2006 to 2018. His hiring comes after Georgia Tech's previous head coach, Damon Stoudamire, was dismissed after failing to secure an NCAA tournament berth in three seasons, finishing with a record of 42-55.
Background and Context
Georgia Tech's basketball program has struggled in recent years, having reached the NCAA tournament only once since 2010. The team's performance under Stoudamire was particularly disappointing, culminating in a last-place finish in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) with a 2-16 record in league play and an overall record of 11-20 during the 2026 season. This marked the end of a tumultuous period for the Yellow Jackets, who have not advanced past the second round of the NCAA tournament since their national title game appearance in 2004.
Scott Cross's Coaching Record
Scott Cross's coaching career includes significant achievements at both Troy and UT Arlington. At Troy, he improved the team's performance dramatically, leading them to a 22-12 record in his final season and securing two NCAA tournament appearances. His previous stint at UT Arlington saw him achieve three consecutive 20-win seasons before his unexpected dismissal in 2018. Critics have labeled this decision as one of the biggest administrative blunders in college basketball history, as the program has struggled to replicate that success since his departure.
Official Statements and Responses
Georgia Tech's athletic director, Ryan Alpert, expressed confidence in Cross's capabilities, stating, "Coach Cross is a proven winner with 350 career victories and seven conference championships on his resume. His combination of experience, success, and development of student-athletes, both on and off the court, makes him the perfect person to carry on the proud tradition of Georgia Tech men's basketball."
Criticism and Opposition
While Cross's hiring has been met with optimism from Georgia Tech officials, some critics question whether his success at mid-major programs will translate to the competitive environment of the ACC. The Yellow Jackets' recent history of coaching changes and lack of NCAA tournament success raises concerns about the sustainability of Cross's potential impact.
What's Next for Georgia Tech
As Scott Cross takes the helm, Georgia Tech aims to revitalize its basketball program and return to NCAA tournament contention. The upcoming season will be critical as Cross implements his strategies and seeks to improve the team's performance in the ACC. The program's commitment to funding competitive resources will also play a vital role in its future success.
