Langley BIO | Dearborn Release

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The University of Michigan-Dearborn has announced the hiring of former Davenport men's basketball assistant coach Taylor Langley to be their new head coach. Langley spent the last four years under head coach Burt Paddock and helped the program to an overall record of 117-25 which included two WHAC championships, three trips to the NAIA Elite 8 and a Fab Four Appearance in 2011-12.

"I have been working relentlessly for many years for an opportunity to lead my own program that I was never certain would come," said Langley. "Being named the head coach at the University of Michigan at Dearborn vindicates the sacrifices I have made and sacrifices others have made for me to reach this milestone. I am so grateful to my family, friends, coaches, and players who have helped me get to this point."

Langley served as an assistant under head coach Burt Paddock over the past four seasons while helping the team to its first ever WHAC regular season and tournament titles in 2011-12 which also included a run to the NAIA Fab Four. The team then repeated its regular season title in 2012-13 and Langley has been a part of four consecutive trips to the National Tournament.

"Coach Langley has been such an important part in so many different facets of our program here at DU, said Paddock.  He has been instrumental in our runs toward conference championships as well as our terrific National Tournament appearances.  It will not be a matter of replacing him as that will not be possible but we will do our very best to find a replacement who with the help of our entire staff and team can make up for the loss.  UM-Dearborn definitely hit a home-run and I know he will provide another team in the WHAC that will be difficult to deal with."

Coach Langley has served as the offensive coordinator on the varsity for the past four seasons. In addition, Taylor's responsibilities include recruiting, the development of the perimeter players, and developing the strength and conditioning program. 
Also during his time at Davenport, Taylor has helped coach one WHAC Player of the Year (Nathan Cox), six All-WHAC 1st Team selections, ten All-WHAC Defensive honorees, and nine NAIA All-Americans.

"The Davenport University athletic department has taught me what a championship culture looks like year to year and day to day. I have had so many incredibly talented coaches to learn from here and I hope to translate that knowledge to success at UM-D. I am especially lucky to have worked under coach Paddock. He trusted me with so many responsibilities within the program that allowed me to grow rapidly as a coach. Coach Paddock has mentored and prepared me to become a head coach, and I am walking into this opportunity with great confidence that my new program will become successful. In our preparation in the basketball program at DU, I have gained an understanding of the dynamics of the teams in the WHAC conference and know what it is going to take to win."
 
Men's Basketball Contact: Aaron Sagraves | 616-554-5045 | asagraves@davenport.edu
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