UNF men’s basketball coach Matthew Driscoll leaving Ospreys for K-State

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – University of North Florida men’s basketball coach Matthew Driscoll is leaving the program and taking an associate head coaching position with Kansas State, the school announced Friday.

He leaves UNF as one of the most recognizable faces at the school, athletic or otherwise, going 248-264 in a career that started in 2009. Driscoll leaves as the winningest coach in both UNF and Atlantic Sun Conference history.

Driscoll signed a three-year contract extension at UNF in 2020 that ran through this month. His son, Chase, just left his position at UNF to take the director of video and analytics at Kansas State. Longtime assistant Bobby Kennen, who was Driscoll’s first hire in 2009, will serve as the interim head coach for the 2025-26 season. Kennen is an established assistant and solid recruiter.

“16 years. It is often said that it feels like yesterday and that sentiment reigns true when I reflect on the joy and honor it has been to be your men’s basketball coach,” Driscoll said in a release.  

“Carrie, my boys and I arrived here with the mindset to be where our feet were planted, to serve with a genuine, purposeful heart and treat others with respect. Our goals were simply to be servants, instill values and guide young people to become the best version of themselves in every aspect of their lives. Watching our student-athletes strive to be their best and become leaders in their own right has been the most inspiring accomplishment. For this chance of a lifetime, we are eternally grateful.”

Driscoll led UNF to its only NCAA tournament appearance in 2015 and won four ASUN conference championships. The Ospreys also reached the NIT in 2016. He was well known for his outgoing and spirited personality. A video clip of Driscoll years ago screaming “let’s goooooo” in the UNF locker room remains an iconic clip.

UNF had a stellar start in the 2024-25 season, including road wins over Power 4 programs South Carolina and Georgia Tech.

“Coach Matthew Driscoll has made a profound and lasting impact on the University of North Florida since he took over the men’s basketball program in 2009,” UNF athletic director Nick Morrow said in a statement.

“Under his leadership, the program rose from a transitional Division I team to a perennial contender. His teams set records, captured titles and competed on college basketball’s biggest stages. More importantly, Coach Driscoll and his family have impacted countless lives beyond the court. He consistently championed character development and community engagement. He embodied what it truly means to be a servant leader. While he departs as the winningest coach in program and ASUN Conference history, his greater legacy lies in his unwavering commitment to excellence and his genuine care for every person he encountered. On behalf of Osprey nation: Thank you, Coach Driscoll, for everything you have done for the North Florida family. We wish you nothing but success in the next chapter of your journey.”