Akron introduces Zips basketball coach Dustin Ford at news conference

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Akron introduces Zips basketball coach Dustin Ford at news conference

Nate Ulrich, Akron Beacon Journal · Akron Beacon Journal

Wed, Apr 15, 2026 ·

6 min read

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The Dustin Ford head coaching era has been underway at the University of Akron since the Zips hired Ford to succeed John Groce on March 30.

Still, Wednesday, April 15, represented a significant moment for UA and Ford because the Zips formally introduced him as their men's basketball coach during a news conference at House Three Thirty in Akron.

Hear from Akron's Dustin Ford: Zips basketball coach says John Groce prepped him for helm

The event began at 11 a.m. Here is what Ford said about his new job and the state of Zips basketball :

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Akron vs. Texas Tech men's basketball, NCAA tournament photos

Mar 20, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders guard Christian Anderson (4) drives against Akron Zips guard Sharron Young (3) in the first half during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images

(Matt Pendleton, Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images)

Akron Zips guard Tavari Johnson (5) moves across the court against Kent State Golden Flashes guard Rob Whaley Jr. (2) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in the semifinals of the MAC Basketball Tournament at Rocket Arena, March 13, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Jeff Lange / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)

Mar 20, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders guard Christian Anderson (4) dribbles against Akron Zips forward Amani Lyles (0) in the first half during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
(Matt Pendleton, Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images)

Mar 20, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders guard Christian Anderson (4) shoots against Akron Zips guard Sharron Young (3) in the first half during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
(Matt Pendleton, Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images)

Mar 20, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; Akron Zips head coach John Groce calls timeout in the first half against the Texas Tech Red Raiders during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
(Matt Pendleton, Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images)

Mar 20, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; Akron Zips guard Eric Mahaffey (4) rebounds against Texas Tech Red Raiders forward Lejuan Watts (3) in the first half during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
(Matt Pendleton, Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images)

Mar 20, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders forward Josiah Moseley (5) shoots against Akron Zips guard Eric Mahaffey (4) in the first half during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
(Matt Pendleton, Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images)

Mar 20, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; Akron Zips guard Eric Mahaffey (4), forward Amani Lyles (0) and Texas Tech Red Raiders forward Lejuan Watts (3) chase a loose ball in the first half during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
(Nathan Ray Seebeck, Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images)

Mar 20, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; Akron Zips forward Amani Lyles (0) passes in the first half against the Texas Tech Red Raiders during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
(Matt Pendleton, Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images)

Mar 20, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; Akron Zips forward Amani Lyles (0) and Texas Tech Red Raiders forward Lejuan Watts (3) chase a loose ball in the first half during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
(Nathan Ray Seebeck, Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images)

Mar 20, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders guard Christian Anderson (4) shoots against Akron Zips guard Eric Mahaffey (4) in the first half during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
(Matt Pendleton, Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images)

Mar 20, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders forward Donovan Atwell (12) shoots against Akron Zips forward Amani Lyles (0) in the first half during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
(Matt Pendleton, Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images)

Mar 20, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; Akron Zips guard Tavari Johnson (5) drives against Texas Tech Red Raiders forward Lejuan Watts (3) and guard Christian Anderson (4) in the first half during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
(Nathan Ray Seebeck, Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images)

Mar 20, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; Akron Zips guard Evan Mahaffey (12) shoots against Texas Tech Red Raiders forward Luke Bamgboye (9) in the first half during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
(Matt Pendleton, Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images)

Mar 20, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; Akron Zips cheerleaders in the first half against the Texas Tech Red Raiders during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
(Matt Pendleton, Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images)

Mar 20, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders forward Lejuan Watts (3) shoots against Akron Zips forward Amani Lyles (0) in the first half during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
(Matt Pendleton, Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images)

Mar 20, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; Akron Zips guard Zach Halligan (21) looks to pass against Texas Tech Red Raiders guard Christian Anderson (4) in the first half during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
(Matt Pendleton, Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images)

Mar 20, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders forward Donovan Atwell (12) defends Akron Zips guard Tavari Johnson (5) in the first half during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
(Matt Pendleton, Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images)

Mar 20, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; Akron Zips guard Tavari Johnson (5) drives against Texas Tech Red Raiders forward Donovan Atwell (12) in the first half during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
(Nathan Ray Seebeck, Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images)

Mar 20, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders guard Christian Anderson (4) shoots against Akron Zips guard Evan Mahaffey (12) in the first half during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
(Matt Pendleton, Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images)

Mar 20, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders guard Jaylen Petty (11) drives against Akron Zips forward Amani Lyles (0) in the first half during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
(Matt Pendleton, Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images)

Mar 20, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders forward Lejuan Watts (3) drives against Akron Zips guard Zach Halligan (21) in the first half during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
(Matt Pendleton, Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images)

Mar 20, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; Akron Zips guard Shammah Scott (1) drives against Texas Tech Red Raiders forward Lejuan Watts (3) in the first half during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
(Nathan Ray Seebeck, Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images)

Mar 20, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; Akron Zips forward Amani Lyles (0) blocks Texas Tech Red Raiders forward Luke Bamgboye (9) in the first half during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
(Matt Pendleton, Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images)

Mar 20, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; Akron Zips guard Shammah Scott (1) drives against Texas Tech Red Raiders forward Luke Bamgboye (9) in the first half during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
(Nathan Ray Seebeck, Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images)

Mar 20, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; Akron Zips guard Tavari Johnson (5) drives in the first half against the Texas Tech Red Raiders during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
(Nathan Ray Seebeck, Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images)

Mar 20, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders guard Jaylen Petty (11) drives against Akron Zips guard Sharron Young (3) in the first half during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
(Matt Pendleton, Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images)

Mar 20, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders guard Jaylen Petty (11) shoots against Akron Zips forward Amani Lyles (0) in the first half during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
(Matt Pendleton, Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images)

Mar 20, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders head coach Grant McCasland in the first half against the Akron Zips during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
(Nathan Ray Seebeck, Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images)

Mar 20, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders head coach Grant McCasland yells in the first half against the Akron Zips during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
(Matt Pendleton, Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images)

Mar 20, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; Akron Zips guard Shammah Scott (1) drives against Texas Tech Red Raiders guard Tyeree Bryan (1) in the first half during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
(Nathan Ray Seebeck, Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images)

Mar 20, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; Akron Zips guard Evan Mahaffey (12) dribbles against Texas Tech Red Raiders forward Donovan Atwell (12) in the first half during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
(Matt Pendleton, Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images)

Mar 20, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; Akron Zips guard Shammah Scott (1) shoots against Texas Tech Red Raiders forward Josiah Moseley (5) in the first half during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
(Nathan Ray Seebeck, Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images)

Mar 20, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; Akron Zips guard Shammah Scott (1) shoots against Texas Tech Red Raiders guard Tyeree Bryan (1) in the first half during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
(Matt Pendleton, Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images)

Mar 20, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; Akron Zips guard Shammah Scott (1) reacts after a basket against the Texas Tech Red Raiders in the first half during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
(Matt Pendleton, Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images)

Mar 20, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; Akron Zips guard Shammah Scott (1) drives against Texas Tech Red Raiders forward Donovan Atwell (12) in the first half during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
(Nathan Ray Seebeck, Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images)

Mar 20, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders forward Lejuan Watts (3) drives against Akron Zips forward Amani Lyles (0) in the first half during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
(Matt Pendleton, Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images)

Mar 20, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders forward Lejuan Watts (3) defends Akron Zips guard Evan Mahaffey (12) in the first half during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
(Matt Pendleton, Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images)

Mar 20, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders guard Christian Anderson (4) drives against Akron Zips guard Tavari Johnson (5) in the first half during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
(Matt Pendleton, Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images)

Mar 20, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders forward Donovan Atwell (12) and forward Lejuan Watts (3) defend Akron Zips guard Evan Mahaffey (12) in the first half during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
(Matt Pendleton, Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images)

Mar 20, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders guard Jaylen Petty (11) shoots against Akron Zips guard Evan Mahaffey (12) in the first half during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
(Matt Pendleton, Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images)

Akron coach Dustin Ford shares what he seeks when recruiting players

Dustin Ford explained he is much more involved with navigating the NCAA transfer portal in his new role than he was as Zips associate head coach.

Ford said he has non-negotiables when it comes to recruiting players: They must be tough and competitive, and they need to be unselfish, too.

From left, University of Akron president R.J. Nemer, Zips men's basketball coach Dustin Ford and athletic director Andrew T. Goodrich take a selfie after the introduction of Ford as the new Zips coach on April 15, 2026, at House Three Thirty.

Akron Zips basketball coach Dustin Ford announces assistant coaches

Dustin Ford said he has retained Akron assistants Devan Morrow and Terry Weigand to work on his coaching staff.

Ford said he has also hired Josh Jones, Todd May and Jay Shunnar as Zips assistants.

Zips news: Akron confident Dustin Ford is right coach to lead UA men's basketball

Akron basketball coach Dustin Ford makes a promise about how he'll approach job at helm of Zips

Dustin Ford revealed on the day the Zips hired him, Akron athletic director Andrew T. Goodrich made a comparison to Bill Self taking control at Kansas. Ford joked about the pressure of succeeding John Groce, who succeeded another Zips legend, Keith Dambrot, at Akron, and Goodrich's reference to Self, a college basketball coaching icon.

"I can promise you this: I'm going to be the best version of myself every day," Ford said.

Ford said he loves Akron's championship expectations, adding, "It started with Keith Dambrot."

Ford said UA's basketball program will always be focused on its players.

"We want a team full of guys who bring it every day," Ford added.

Ford said last season everybody thought Akron three-peating as the Mid-American Conference Tournament champion would be impossible because it had not been done. But the Zips accomplished the unprecedented feat, and Ford said his mindset now is, "Why not four?"

Zippy claps as the new University of Akron men's basketball coach Dustin Ford is congratulated by UA President R.J. Nemer at House Three Thirty, April 15, 2026.

Akron Zips coach Dustin Ford receives standing ovation from supporters during his introductory news conference

Dustin Ford broke the ice by telling a story about his morning. The hot water at his house wasn't working. His wife, Marcie, fixed it. The printer at the office wasn't working, either.

Rolling with the punches is part of being a head coach. Ford's humor and relatability make him a popular figure at UA. He received a standing ovation when Akron brass introduced him during the news conference.

Ford proceeded to thank his family, mentors, players and supporters, including his bosses and co-workers at Akron. He expressed gratitude to former longtime Zips coach John Groce.

"John has turned me into who I am today as a coach," Ford said.

Akron athletic director Andrew T. Goodrich and UA president R.J. Nemer introduce Zips men's basketball coach Dustin Ford

The news conference began with opening remarks from University of Akron leadership.

Akron athletic director Andrew T. Goodrich said he believes "the future for Akron men's basketball is as bright as ever" with Dustin Ford at the helm.

"We placed a priority on finding someone who loves Akron, someone who has a demonstrated history of winning championships " Goodrich said of hiring Ford.

Akron president R.J. Nemer said the process and decision to hire Ford were "clear and resolute." Goodrich said hiring Ford "almost seemed too easy."

Goodrich and Nemer also thanked several people involved with UA, its men's basketball program and the hiring of Ford.

University of Akron men's basketball coach Dustin Ford.

Even before Dustin Ford's introductory news conference begins, here is a refresher about the Akron Zips and how Ford fits with the University of Akron:

Dustin Ford hired as Akron Zips basketball coach

On Monday, March 30, John Groce left Akron and took the head coaching job at the College of Charleston. Later the same day, Akron announced it hired Dustin Ford to replace Groce at the helm of the Zips.

Ford was an in-house candidate at Akron. He was also the only person Zips athletic director Andrew T. Goodrich interviewed to succeed Groce, Goodrich told the Beacon Journal.

Ford is a first-time head coach at the college level. Ford worked as an assistant under Groce for all 18 seasons of Groce's head coaching career, including the past nine at Akron (2017-26), five at Illinois (2012-17) and four at Ohio (2008-12).

Zips sports: Inside Akron basketball's head coaching change with John Groce and AD Andrew T. Goodrich

John Groce's record with Akron basketball

Akron captured four Mid-American Conference Tournament titles (2022, '24, '25 and '26) and thereby advanced to the NCAA Tournament four times in a span of five years under Groce. The Zips became the first men's team to three-peat as MAC tourney champion (2024-26).

Akron is 0-8 in Division I NCAA Tournament games (1986, 2009, '11, '13, '22, '24, '25 and '26). UA basketball's Division I era began with the 1980-81 season.

With the Zips, Groce compiled a record of 197-94, including 114-50 in the MAC. He is 377-225, including 4-7 in the NCAA Tournament (0-4 with Akron, 1-1 with Illinois and 3-2 with Ohio).

Akron Zips guard Eric Mahaffey reacts after a play against the Texas Tech Red Raiders during an NCAA Tournament first-round game March 20, 2026, in Tampa, Florida.

Akron basketball roster. Who are the Zips players with eligibility left after 2025-26 season?

Akron is coming off a season in which the Zips went 29-6, 17-1 in the MAC. A list of players who are eligible to return next season is below.

Redshirt junior forward Chabi Barre
Redshirt freshman forward Rich Brisco
Redshirt freshman guard Conner Groce (the eldest son of former Akron coach John Groce announced he entered the NCAA transfer portal )
Redshirt sophomore wing Zach Halligan
Senior guard Bowen Hardman (announced he entered the transfer portal and told the Beacon Journal he petitioned the NCAA for another season of eligibility)

Akron Zips guard Bowen Hardman (15) attempts a shot over Buffalo Bulls guard Ryan Sabol (2) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in the quarterfinals of the MAC Basketball Tournament at Rocket Arena, March 12, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.

Junior guard Cody Head
Freshman guard Josh Henderson
Redshirt freshman Eric Mahaffey (announced he entered the transfer portal)
Redshirt sophomore wing Marvin Musiime-Kamali
Freshman guard Tai Perkins
Freshman wing Ognjen Stankovic
Sophomore guard Sharron Young (announced he entered the transfer portal)

Why is Akron called the Zips?

A student contest resulted in Akron's nickname becoming the Zippers in 1926. The name was inspired by a B.F. Goodrich brand of rubber galoshes with metal fasteners. In 1950, former Akron athletic director Kenneth "Red" Cochran shortened the name to Zips.

Nate Ulrich is the sports columnist of the Akron Beacon Journal and a sports features writer. Nate can be reached at nulrich@thebeaconjournal.com . On Twitter: @ByNateUlrich .

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Akron basketball coach Dustin Ford introduced during news conference

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