McDaniel College mourns the passing of head men's basketball coach Kevin Curley, who died on May 27 after a battle with metastatic esophageal cancer. Curley, the program's winningest coach, achieved over 200 career wins since joining in 2007 and led the team to numerous championships during his nearly two-decade tenure. He is remembered not only for his coaching success but also for his profound impact on the lives of student-athletes and the campus community.

By the Numbers
  • Curley achieved 200 career wins with a 60-58 victory on November 14, 2025.
  • He led the team to seven Centennial Conference Championship appearances and five ECAC Division III Championship appearances.
Yes, But

While Curley's achievements are celebrated, some critiques highlight the struggles the team faced prior to his successes, including challenges in the years leading up to their first tournament appearance since 2016.

State of Play
  • The team is coming off a historic season, with a conference tournament appearance and a postseason win.
  • Curley's legacy includes mentoring 19 All-Centennial Conference selections and being named Coach of the Year twice.
What's Next

The McDaniel basketball program may have to navigate a transitional phase as they seek to honor Curley’s legacy while aiming for continued success in upcoming seasons.

Bottom Line

Kevin Curley's contributions to McDaniel College extended well beyond basketball wins; his influence as a mentor and friend left a lasting mark that the community will carry forward.