Haddix Named Union's Head Men's Basketball Coach

BARBOURVILLE, Ky. – Union Commonwealth University has selected Rodney Haddix to be the Bulldogs' new head men's basketball coach.

Haddix played college basketball at Findlay Prep, Miami of Ohio, and Georgetown College. He has a decade of coaching experience.

"Rodney brings a wealth of experience to Union from competitive NAIA programs within our regional footprint, and a premier athletic prep program in the greater Las Vegas area," said UCU's Interim President DJ Washington. "He understands the level of success our basketball program brings, and from day one he proved he is ready for the moment. We are excited to have Rodney and his family with us."

Haddix comes to Union from Georgetown College where he was an assistant coach for three seasons. In that time, the Tigers were 79-23.

Georgetown reached the Fab Four of the NAIA Men's Basketball National Championship in the 2022-23 season, while Haddix was named the Mid-South Conference (MSC) Assistant Coach of the Year.

Haddix spent the 2019-20 and 2020-21 seasons with the University of the Cumberlands as an assistant coach. In those two seasons, the Patriots were 41-18 and produced their first-ever back-to-back Second-Team All-American.

Prior to that, he spent six years at Findlay Prep. In that time, Findlay Prep recorded an 87% winning percentage. Haddix coached seven NBA players in his time with Findlay Prep.

"Rodney Haddix brings in an impressive background and extensive understanding of the game of basketball not only from a coaching standpoint but as a former player as well," UCU's Interim Executive Director of Athletics Clay Butler said.

"Union has a long history of winning and we fully believe he will carry on this tradition," Butler said. "He has already hit the ground running on the recruiting front and working with the returning student-athletes. We feel that Rodney will do a great job developing our students into fine young men on and off the court. We could not be more excited about the future of the men's basketball program."

Legendary Transylvania coach Don Lane was a member of the search committee for the position. Lane is a Union alumnus and a member of Union's Athletic Hall of Fame. Lane is a Union trustee.

"I am extremely pleased that Rodney Haddix will be the new head men's basketball coach at Union Commonwealth University," Lane said. "He has gotten great experience at some fine institutions that have been at the very top in NAIA basketball. He has worked with some of the best coaches in the country. He will bring that same passion and success to Union."

As for Haddix himself, he is excited about the opportunity.

"I am very blessed for this opportunity with Union Commonwealth University," Haddix said. "I want to thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for his many blessings. A special thank you to Dr. Washington and Clay Butler for trusting me with the program. Lastly, a more than special thank you to my wife Cheyenne. She is my rock and I would not be the man I am today without her. I hope the community is ready for what is to come. I hope we can all become one big family; these young men need this community more than anything. I hope to see all of you soon."

Here's what others have to say about Coach Haddix:

Happy Osborne:

Osborne has had a tremendous coaching career; the majority of which was at Georgetown College. In his final season at Georgetown, Osborne coached Haddix.

"I am so excited and happy for Rodney Haddix," Osborne said. "He has worked hard for this opportunity and will put his heart into making his players' college experience the absolute best on the floor and in the classroom. Folks in Barbourville are going to love Rod's outgoing personality and he will be respected and liked by everyone on campus."

Bryant Harris:

"As a Scott County State Champion and Union Bulldog alumni, I have all the confidence in the world that Coach Rodney Haddix who is also a product out of Scott County will help to bring that same hard work ethic to carry on the winning traditions of Union Bulldog Basketball," Harris said.

Chris Stunson:

Stunson is a Union Trustee and former men's basketball player.

"What sets Coach Haddix apart is his passion for the game and his genuine care for his players' well-being," Stunson said. "He believes in cultivating a culture of teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship, which aligns perfectly with the values of Union Commonwealth University. I have no doubt that his positive influence will resonate throughout our athletic department and university community."