Nov. 16, 2007
COLLEGE PARK, Md. - University of Maryland men's basketball coach Gary Williams announced today (November 16) that Joe Harrington has joined the men's basketball staff for the remainder of the season. Harrington replaces Mike Adams, who resigned for personal reasons November 14.
"Joe has a tremendous basketball mind developed by his experience at the college and professional level," said Williams. "He will be a valuable asset to our program."
Harrington brings a wealth of experience back to College Park, as he compiled a 112-85 record as head coach of George Mason from 1980-1987. Following his stint with the Patriots, Harrington took over as head coach of Long Beach State, where he posted a record of 53-36 from 1987-90.
While at George Mason, Harrington was named the Colonial Athletic Association Coach of the Year in 1984. He produced 10 all-conference selections with the Patriots and saw Carlos Yates earn honorable mention All-American honors four straight years. At Long Beach State, Harrington guided the 49ers to the NIT in 1988 and 1990.
"I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to work with Gary Williams and return to my alma mater," said Harrington. "We started our coaching careers together and it's great to see it come full circle."
From 1990 to 1996, Harrington was the head coach at the University of Colorado. He ended the school's 22-year postseason drought by earning a bid to the 1991 NIT, where the Buffaloes advanced to the Final Four. In addition to guiding CU to a second NIT appearance in 1995, he coached Donnie Boyce, who became Colorado's all-time leading scorer, as well as NBA All-Star Chauncey Billups. Harrington produced seven all-conference performers at Colorado.
In addition to his collegiate experience, Harrington worked in the National Basketball Association as an assistant on the Toronto Raptors staff from 1999-2001.
A teammate of Williams at Maryland, Harrington also served as a graduate assistant alongside Williams under freshman coach Tom Davis. From 1969-1979, Harrington was an assistant to Lefty Driesell in College Park. He earned his first head coaching position in 1979 at Hofstra.
Maryland is 3-0 on the season. The Terps return to action Monday night when they face UCLA as part of the 2007 O'Reilly Auto Parts CBE Classic.
