Former Gardner-Webb assistant coach Jake DeLaney joined the Furman men’s basketball staff as assistant coach/director of operations in the summer of 2023.
A native of Birmingham, Ala., DeLaney spent the last four seasons as an assistant for the Runnin’ Bulldogs after serving as an assistant for two seasons at his alma mater, Covenant College, in Lookout Mountain, Ga. During his time in Boiling Springs, N.C., he helped Gardner-Webb to 44 victories, including a 21-13 combined mark in conference play over the last two seasons.
“We are thrilled to add someone of Jake’s quality, character, and experience to our staff,” said Richey. “Once again, we are adding someone from a great culture at Gardner-Webb that has been training under a very well-respected coach in Tim Craft. He brings experience in all aspects of our profession and will be able to help us in a variety of ways from day one. With the new rules allowing us to add two more coaches on the floor, we found a home run hire in Jake. He will be a huge addition administratively, but he will also impact our development and game planning as well.”
DeLaney helped the Covenant Scots to an 18-9 record in 2018-19, which included a 16-2 mark in the Division III USA South and a West Division title. The Scots’ .667 winning percentage set a new program record and their 16 league wins were a new high mark for the USA South. Sophomore forward Will Crumly was named USA South Player of the Year and was selected to the NABC’s Division III All-American Team and the Scots’ offense pumped in 76.0 points per game. Point guard Bailey Spragg ranked No. 4 nationally with 6.9 assists per game as well.
DeLaney was also part of a coaching staff that directed Covenant to an 18-10 mark in his first season on the bench as a full-time assistant coach in 2017-2018.
The former Oak Mountain (Ala.) High standout spent two seasons on Craft’s staff at Gardner-Webb, serving as video coordinator and graduate assistant coach from 2015-17. He helped the ‘Dogs post 36 wins and two Big South Conference semifinal appearances during his time on staff, including a 19-14 mark with a win over Nebraska during his final campaign in Boiling Springs.
DeLaney earned his MBA from the Godbold School of Business at Gardner-Webb in 2017. He played three seasons at Covenant, seeing action in 56 career games. He started 16 games at guard over his career and earned a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from Covenant in 2015. DeLaney got his start in coaching as a student assistant at Covenant during the 2014-2015 season.
