A new era in Florida Atlantic University basketball began today, Monday, as FAU President Frank T. Brogan '81 announced the hiring of Matt Doherty as the university's new head men's basketball coach. He brings to FAU one of the most dynamic basketball backgrounds in the nation that includes coaching at the highest levels, as well as association with some of the best teams, coaches and players in the game's history. Doherty becomes thefifth head basketball coach in FAU's history.

"My family and I are excited about becoming a part of the FAU family, " said Doherty. "It is exciting to be a part of the dynamic leadership and vision of this institution."

A name synonymous with winning, Doherty has had a stellar career both as a coach and as an athlete. As a player, he first made a name for himself when he played in 129 games during a remarkable four year career at the University of North Carolina from 1980 - 1984 under the legendary Dean Smith. Doherty helped lead the Tar Heels to the 1982 national championship while playing alongside Michael Jordan and James Worthy.

As a coach, a few of his top achievements include being named Coach-of-the-Year by the Associated Press in his first year at the University of North Carolina, holding a head coaching record of 75-58, and leading the University of Notre Dame to its best season in a decade in 1999-00.

"I could not be happier with Coach Doherty joining the FAU family," said President Brogan. "Coach Doherty's talent, experience and dedication will help lead FAU's basketball program to the next level of athletic competition."

After completing a successfulstudent-athlete career,Doherty worked on Wall Street and later moved to the administrative side of basketball. He began his coaching career at Davidson College in 1989 as an assistant coach before moving to Kansas three years later to begin a seven-year stint with Roy Williams as his assistant coach at one of the nation's most successfulprograms during that time period.

"Matt Doherty is a sensational hire for Florida Atlantic," said ESPN's Dick Vitale. "He brings a passion and work ethic that is very special. His experience as an assistant at Kansas and head coach at Notre Dame and North Carolina will be invaluable for his journey forward with the Owls. I salute Mr. Brogan and Mr. Angelos for making a great hire."

In 1999, Doherty was named head coach of Notre Dame, guiding the Fighting Irish to their best season in a decade before taking over in the same role at his alma mater in 2000 as UNC's head coach.

In his first season at UNC, Doherty led the Tar Heels to a 26-7 record and was named the Associated Press National Coach-of-the-Year. The team was the Atlantic Coast Conference regular season co-champion and advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. Along the way, UNC was ranked no. 1. Doherty coached All-Americans and first-round NBA draft choices Brendan Haywood and Joe Forte. During that season, he also put together one of the top-five recruiting classes in the nation.

Doherty's history of being one of the nation's top recruiters continued in his second season at North Carolina, when he signed Raymond Felton, Sean May and Rashad McCants, players who would play instrumental roles on UNC's 2005 national championship team. In his final year at North Carolina, Doherty's team won the Preseason National Invitation Tournament, was ranked as high as no. 12 and advanced to the NIT following the season.

Over the past two seasons, Doherty has served in various capacities as a basketball analyst with several media outlets, including CSTV and ESPN. In addition, he has also served as a scout for the New York Knicks.

"I am very excited about the passion, commitment and experience Matt brings to our program. He will put FAU basketball on the national stage," said Angelos. "Because of his relentless approach, there is no doubt he will be successful in this program."

Doherty takes over an FAU program that appeared in the 2002 NCAA Tournament. His first season on campus will be FAU's 11th and last in the Atlantic Sun Conference. The Owls will begin competition in the Sun Belt Conference beginning with the 2006-07 season. Last year, FAU posted a 10-17 record and a 10-10 mark in the 75-A-Sun.