Grasso completes staff with hiring of Cole, Mahar
SMITHFIELD, R.I. – Bryant University head men's basketball coach Jared Grasso has completed his staff for the 2018-19 season with the hiring of assistant coach Chris Cole and director of basketball operations Eamonn Mahar.
Cole arrives in Smithfield after spending the last five seasons as the head coach of Rock Creek Christian Academy in Maryland. Rock Creek recorded a Washington Post top-five ranking in four of Cole's five seasons at the helm and cracked the USA Today Top 25 in 2017. Cole was four-time CBAA Coach of the Year for a team with three CBAA championships, three Maryland state runner-up seasons and four CBAA Player of the Year honorees.
"Chris is someone I have known since his playing career," Grasso said. "He was always a coach on the court and has carried those leadership qualities over to the sidelines. He will be a great mentor for our players and ambassador for the Bryant men's basketball program."
Cole began his playing career at Hartford in the 2005-06 season, a year in which Grasso was a member of the Hawks staff. He would transfer to New Mexico State to continue playing for the Aggies.
"I am excited and honored to join the Bryant family and be part of an unbelievable institution," Cole said. "I've known Coach Grasso for over a decade; his leadership, dedication and passion are infectious. I can't wait to work with the great staff Coach Grasso has assembled and learn from one of the great young coaches in our business."
Mahar joins the Bryant staff after spending last season as a graduate manager at Iona, where he oversaw travel, video and other logistical elements for the Gaels' MAAC championship team in 2017-18. Prior to Iona, Mahar worked as a runner for four years with the Hoop Group, managing social media, logistics, budgets, and overseeing a staff of 45 interns.
"I'm thrilled to join the Bryant community," Mahar said. "Coach Grasso's work ethic, recruiting background and overall persona are something to learn from daily. The academic tradition, facilities and campus atmosphere make Bryant one of the top universities in New England. I'm excited to be part of the program."
Mahar graduated from SUNY Cortland in 2017, finishing his undergraduate degree in three years, while serving as a manager for the Red Dragons. He is the son of former Columbia, Newbury, and Johnson State head coach Buddy Mahar, who spent 35 seasons in college and prep coaching. He is the brother of former Chaminade and Assumption head coach Matt Mahar, who is now the director of athletics at Narragansett High School.
"Eamonn is a rising star in the business," Grasso said. "He comes from a basketball family and grew up around the game. His work ethic and passion will be a great fit for the future of Bryant men's basketball."
The Bryant men's basketball program will begin its 56th season and 11th in Division I in November – the first under new head coach Jared Grasso. The Bulldogs' 2018-19 schedule and ticket information will be announced at a later date.
Follow Bryant University men's basketball on Twitter and Instagram to get an inside look at the program.