RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. – After spending the last three years as the Wonder Boys’ assistant coach, Chad Kline has been named the 22nd head men’s basketball coach of Arkansas Tech University, announced Director of Athletics Steve Mullins in a press conference Monday.
“I am pleased and excited to announce that Chad Kline will be the next leader of our men’s basketball program,” said Mullins. “The progress of our program over the past ten years has been remarkable, and it was extremely important that we find someone to lead the program and to continue our recent success. Chad Kline has been an integral part of the team’s success over his three years as an assistant coach, and his knowledge of the program, and his love for this university will serve him well as our head men’s basketball coach.”
Indeed, the Wonder Boys program has had remarkable success in recent years. In the three years since Kline has been on staff, Arkansas Tech has posted a 65-28 record, including a 41-15 mark in Great American Conference play. The Wonder Boys have won or shared the Great American Conference championship in each of the three seasons, while qualifying for the NCAA tournament each time, advancing to the Sweet Sixteen in 2012.
During his tenure at Arkansas Tech, the Wonder Boys have boasted seven all-GAC selections, Willie Kirkland was named GAC Newcomer of the Year, Charles Mells earned Defensive Player of the Year honors, while Johnie Davis was named 2012 GAC Player of the Year en route to being an honorable mention All-America selection.
Prior to joining the Arkansas Tech program, Kline was an assistant coach at Coastal Bend College in Beeville, Texas, and served as head coach at Frank Phillips College, posting a 90-60 record.
Kline played two years at Barton County Community College in Great Bend, Kansas. While at Barton, he helped his team to a 67-5 record, two conference championships, and a runner-up finish at the National Tournament. From there, Kline played at Emporia State University as a junior and played his senior season in his hometown at McPherson College.
He and his wife, Courtney have two sons, Owen and Troy.
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