USM began an intense search process for a new men’s basketball head coach to replace Dan Costigan, who resigned Aug. 17. The search committee, led by Women’s Basketball Coach Gary Fifield has narrowed the 35 initial responses down to seven potential candidates.
Director of Athletics Al Bean would not name specific individuals who have applied for the post, however he did say that the department would attempt to make an offer for the position within the next two weeks.
“I was very surprised when I came into the office (August 17) and Danny was there waiting for me,” said Bean. “The timing was surprising although it would have been better in May or June, but it really hasn’t had a major impact on our new recruited class.”
Staying away from the Warren G. Hill Gymnasium and the team he recruited is not in the plans for Costigan. “I will be their biggest fan and will definitely watch them play,” said Costigan. “We have a couple of kids coming in that may have an impact and I look forward to seeing what they can accomplish this year.”
Costigan leaves the USM post to become the director of basketball operations at the new Hancock Sports Academy which is planning to open sometime this month at its temporary home here in southern Maine. “I leave a great place and I am going to a great place where I can stay in the game of basketball and teach kids about the game,” said Costigan.
“In many regards it was very, very difficult to leave because of the people I have met and known both on a professional and personal level,” Costigan said of both his players and the University.
One factor in Costigan’s decision to leave was being closer to home to spend quality time with his family. His new job doesn’t require him to go out of state for games and recruiting. This allows him the opportunity to watch his son play at Cheverus. “I am very blessed to have a great family that I can be closer to and not have to travel out of state and can be close to home,” he said.
From the day Costigan joined the USM family up to present day; Bean has always had a fondness for the qualities that first brought the coach to the top job on the men’s team. “Danny has great character, outstanding leadership, is a wonderful teacher, and genuinely cares about the players and people in and around the program,” said Bean.
In his seven seasons with the Huskies, Costigan accumulated a record of 56-119 with his best seasons coming in 1998-1999 and 1999-2000 when the USM men recorded 13 wins each year. The 1999-2000 season was particularly sweet for Costigan as he led his team to the Little East Conference championship game and was named League Coach of the Year by his peers.
Last season was an exceptionally hard season for Costigan and his Huskies as they could only manage four wins. “I’ve been fortunate to have great kids but last year’s were very special despite the tough schedule and what they had to overcome,” said Costigan of the team’s lack of a solid inside presence.