Keene State Acting Head Coach David Hastings led the team to the NCAA D3 Sweet 16 but will not be considered for the permanent job next season due to lacking a bachelor's degree.

The Big Picture

Qualifications trump performance as President Melinda Treadwell cites University System of New Hampshire's minimum degree requirements for coaching roles, impacting Hastings despite his successful track record and extensive service background.

By the Numbers
  • Hastings led the Owls to a 26-4 (15-1) record.
  • Hastings served four years in the U.S. Army 82nd Airborne Division and spent 34 years in law enforcement.
Yes, But

Hastings' exclusion highlights a potential gap in evaluating non-traditional credentials and experience against formal education requirements.

State of Play
  • Keene State is conducting a national search for a new head coach.
  • The decision not to consider Hastings raises questions about the balance between academic qualifications and practical experience in coaching roles.
What's Next

Hastings intends to apply for the position as the university continues its search for a permanent head coach.

Bottom Line

Hastings' case underscores the ongoing debate between formal education requirements and practical experience in hiring decisions, prompting a reevaluation of the criteria for coaching positions.