Downey was an assistant to Jans during his one year stint at Independence Community College. According to the story, they maintained a relationship and Downey considers Jans a mentor. Last year, Downey was the head coach at West Alabama, a DII school. They were 17-11 last year. Prior to that, he was coach at Arkansas Tech and University of Charleston, his alma mater.
According to his West Alabama bio his career is much like Jans'...strong success as a head coach at below D1 schools:
The winner of two Gulf South Conference championships while at Arkansas Tech and a six-time coach of the year winner in nine seasons as a head coach, Downey comes to UWA from the University of Charleston. In only three seasons at Charleston, he compiled a 60-28 record and led the Golden Eagles to their first NCAA Tournament Appearance since 2001.
In nine seasons at Charleston (2010-2013), Arkansas Tech (2006-2010) and Independence Community College (1999-2001), Downey is the owner of a 187-92 record. He has averaged just over 20 wins per season and has just one losing season. He has a 19-5 record in post-season NCAA Division II conference tournaments. Downey has coached in eight conference tournaments, reaching the finals five times and winning three conference titles.
Among 30 all-conference players that Downey has coached, six have been conference players of the year, four conference most valuable players and four freshmen of the year. He has had 40 former players go on to play professional basketball.
Along with Independence CC, he has also been an assistant at University of New Orleans, Marshall, and Barton College.
He also played a UK player in the film Glory Road.
Welcome to the Falcons, Coach.
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