My history has been one of turning around struggling programs into respectable winners -- on and off the court. My 28 years as a head coach – beginning at the freshman high school level in 1985 to the NCAA level – teacher and business owner has provided me with the necessary skills to conquer the many challenges that arise when coaching basketball and mentoring student-athletes.
I am truly fueled by my drive and passion for the sport of basketball and my competitive nature. I believe my strongest points are evaluating basketball talent with a strong recruiting eye. I also am armed with exceptional public relation skills that win over fans and builds programs.
After being named head coach late in July 2008 at Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, I began rebuilding the program as the administration planned for a D1 reclassification. After a successful rebuilding season, I was named Associate Athletic Director at Grand Canyon University.
In the interim, South Mountain fell on hard times under a D1 assistant. I would be called back to take over the program on a part time basis. Currently, I have compiled the most successful record in school history at South Mountain Community College. This included 4 D2 conference titles and 3 region One championships. The 10-11 season marked the only ACCAC Championship by a Division 2 school in history and a #1 ranking in the Nation for 8 consecutive weeks. At the conclusion of my final season my record stands at 210-159. Grand Canyon University would go on to win the Leerfield Cup as the finest Division 2 athletic program in the country. I now serve as the Ast. Athletic Director @ GCU in the WAC Conference, radio analyst for men's basketball, and oversee 6 D1 sports and all national club sports on campus.
In reviewing my CV and website, you’ll find that my coaching experience is solid and successful. I am confident that I have the ability to attract some of the nation’s top players to any program. My expertise in coaching and psychology further allows me to recruit and mentor student-athletes. My experience as both a head coach and administrator, has given me a comprehensive understanding of everything from budgeting, travel planning, crisis management, staffing and personnel issues and public relations.
On a personal note, I am a native of Syracuse, New York and have spent most of my adult life living and working in the Phoenix Metropolitan area. I have two beautiful daughters, Rachel and Danni, and now they are all grown up!
I would love the opportunity to sit down with you to discuss what I can bring to your program.
Please contact me at 602-370-2339.
Dan J. Nichols
I am truly fueled by my drive and passion for the sport of basketball and my competitive nature. I believe my strongest points are evaluating basketball talent with a strong recruiting eye. I also am armed with exceptional public relation skills that win over fans and builds programs.
After being named head coach late in July 2008 at Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, I began rebuilding the program as the administration planned for a D1 reclassification. After a successful rebuilding season, I was named Associate Athletic Director at Grand Canyon University.
In the interim, South Mountain fell on hard times under a D1 assistant. I would be called back to take over the program on a part time basis. Currently, I have compiled the most successful record in school history at South Mountain Community College. This included 4 D2 conference titles and 3 region One championships. The 10-11 season marked the only ACCAC Championship by a Division 2 school in history and a #1 ranking in the Nation for 8 consecutive weeks. At the conclusion of my final season my record stands at 210-159. Grand Canyon University would go on to win the Leerfield Cup as the finest Division 2 athletic program in the country. I now serve as the Ast. Athletic Director @ GCU in the WAC Conference, radio analyst for men's basketball, and oversee 6 D1 sports and all national club sports on campus.
In reviewing my CV and website, you’ll find that my coaching experience is solid and successful. I am confident that I have the ability to attract some of the nation’s top players to any program. My expertise in coaching and psychology further allows me to recruit and mentor student-athletes. My experience as both a head coach and administrator, has given me a comprehensive understanding of everything from budgeting, travel planning, crisis management, staffing and personnel issues and public relations.
On a personal note, I am a native of Syracuse, New York and have spent most of my adult life living and working in the Phoenix Metropolitan area. I have two beautiful daughters, Rachel and Danni, and now they are all grown up!
I would love the opportunity to sit down with you to discuss what I can bring to your program.
Please contact me at 602-370-2339.
Dan J. Nichols