Florida Tech Names Billy Mims Men’s Basketball Coach

– For the first time in seven years, Florida Tech will have a new men’s basketball coach patrolling the sidelines. Billy Mims, an 18-year veteran of the
NCAA Division II and European professional coaching ranks, will take control of the Panther program according to Director of Athletics Bill Jurgens.
“I was impressed with Billy’s desire to be at Florida Tech and his familiarity of NCAA Division II and the Sunshine State Conference,” said Jurgens. “He
will be a perfect fit for the basketball program and will help the players succeed in the highly competitive SSC.”
Mims replaces Kris Olson. He resigned in May after leading the Panthers to an 11-16 record in 2004-05 and an overall record of 48-116 in six seasons.
“I am looking forward to becoming an ambassador for Florida Tech,” said Mims. “…and also gearing up for the challenge ahead having inherited a program that
made some huge strides last season.”
Mims’ new team returns all 14 players, including its five starters and two All Conference Members in Ryan Maultsby and All Freshman player E.J. Murray.
Last year, the panthers posted its best record since 1999.
Mims, who comes to Florida Tech after one season at the University of Texas of the Permian Basin (UTPB), is no stranger to the highly-competitive Sunshine
State Conference. He spent six seasons as head coach of Barry University from 1988-1994.
During his one season at UTPB, Mims became the most-winning coach in program history. He compiled more wins in one season (nine) than the Falcons combined
to achieve in the program’s first two years of existence.
“From November to February I want the Florida Tech Basketball program to be the premier sporting event on the Space Coast,” stated Mims. “I want my passion
for the game and for life to rub off on the team and bring some real excitement onto the court.”
At Barry, Mims posted an overall record of 79-86, including a 49-34 mark over his final three seasons. Mims directed a young Buccaneer squad to the SSC
Tournament semifinals in each of his final two years, 1993 and 1994.
Following his tenure at Barry, Mims spent 10 years in the British professional ranks, serving as head coach and director of player personnel for two
different clubs, the London Leopards and the Leicester Riders. In the U.K., Mims captured three national championships in 1997, 1998 and 2001 and was named
league coach of the year twice in 1998 and 2001 before returning to the U.S. collegiate ranks.
Prior to his stint at Barry, Mims spent considerable time as an assistant and associate head coach at four different colleges-College of Charleston (S.C.),
Lander College (S.C.), Winthrop College (S.C.) and Chowan College (N.C.).
Mims is a 1981 graduate of Baptist College (S.C.). He also completed a master’s degree from Winthrop University (S.C.) in 1984 and the M.B.A. degree from
Buxton University of London in 2004.
In addition to his lengthy coaching background, Mims has spoken and coached at countless clinics and has been extremely active in various community service
projects. Mims, 45, and his wife, Lynne, have three children, Courtney, 8, Callie, 6, and Joshua, 2.