BIRMINGHAM, Alabama (June 16, 2016) – Dan Leibovitz, a veteran basketball coach on the collegiate and professional levels and currently the primary men’s basketball administrator for The American Athletic Conference, has been named Associate Commissioner for Men’s Basketball for the Southeastern Conference, SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey announced Thursday.
As the SEC’s Associate Commissioner for Men’s Basketball, Leibovitz will ensure ongoing communication related to the sport between the SEC Office and its member institutions and coaches; develop and enact strategies for enhancing and promoting men’s basketball in the SEC; prepare the Conference men’s basketball schedules and collaborate with the Special Advisor to the Commissioner for Men’s Basketball, Mike Tranghese, to ensure continuous improvement of the sport in the SEC.
"I am excited about the addition of Dan to our staff because he brings the experience and expertise we need in the Southeastern Conference to address issues critical to the growth and future success of men’s basketball in this league,” said Sankey. “His diverse background and extensive relationships, plus his knowledge and enthusiasm will bring a new level of energy to men’s basketball in the SEC.”
Leibovitz most recently served for two years as Associate Commissioner for Men’s Basketball in the American Athletic Conference where he handled many of the same responsibilities he will maintain in the SEC Office. Previously he served as Assistant Coach for Player Development for the NBA's Charlotte Hornets. He was head coach at the University of Hartford from 2006-10 and his college assistant coaching experience include positions at Temple University from 1996-2006 and the University of Pennsylvania from 2010-12.
At Hartford, where Leibovitz was the fourth youngest coach in Division I when he was hired, he led the Hawks to the school's best single-season win total and the team's only appearance in the America East Championship Game.
He began his coaching career at Temple University, where he worked from 1996-2006 under Naismith Hall of Fame Head Coach John Chaney. During Leibovitz’s tenure with the Owls, Temple made five NCAA Tournament appearances and twice advanced to the NCAA's Elite Eight.
In addition to his duties with The American, Leibovitz is a member of the Men’s College Basketball Officiating (MCBO) Board of Managers, serving on the Competition Committee. The committee, comprised of key stakeholders in the game, analyzes statistical trends and assesses the impact of current and proposed rules in order to make recommendations to the Rules committee.”
Leibovitz earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 1996 and a M. Ed in Sport and Recreation Administration from Temple University in 1998.
Leibovitz, 42, and his wife Nancy are the parents of 10-year-old daughter Kaiya, an 8-year-old son Noah and a 4-year-old son Nash.
WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT DAN LEIBOVITZ
“Dan Leibovitz is a terrific hire for the Southeastern Conference. He brings to the SEC a wealth of coaching experience along with more recent success as a conference basketball administrator. I have been impressed with Dan’s intellect, character and perspective when dealing with national college basketball initiatives. Dan is a rising leader in our game, and I believe he will serve the SEC membership well in men’s basketball. Congratulations to Commissioner Greg Sankey on making an excellent choice in Dan Leibovitz.” – Dan Gavitt, Vice President of Men’s Basketball Championships, NCAA
"The SEC made a great call hiring Dan Leibovitz. Dan has extensive basketball experience, from the coaching box on up, and he has studied the game from every vantage point. He is very smart and thoroughly examines every issue before making an informed judgment. Dan is a difference maker." -- Jay Bilas, ESPN
“Dan is one of the brightest and hardest working individuals in college athletics. He is a fabulous addition to SEC basketball.” – Mike Tranghese, former Big East Conference Commissioner; Special Advisor to SEC Commissioner for Men’s Basketball
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As the SEC’s Associate Commissioner for Men’s Basketball, Leibovitz will ensure ongoing communication related to the sport between the SEC Office and its member institutions and coaches; develop and enact strategies for enhancing and promoting men’s basketball in the SEC; prepare the Conference men’s basketball schedules and collaborate with the Special Advisor to the Commissioner for Men’s Basketball, Mike Tranghese, to ensure continuous improvement of the sport in the SEC.
"I am excited about the addition of Dan to our staff because he brings the experience and expertise we need in the Southeastern Conference to address issues critical to the growth and future success of men’s basketball in this league,” said Sankey. “His diverse background and extensive relationships, plus his knowledge and enthusiasm will bring a new level of energy to men’s basketball in the SEC.”
Leibovitz most recently served for two years as Associate Commissioner for Men’s Basketball in the American Athletic Conference where he handled many of the same responsibilities he will maintain in the SEC Office. Previously he served as Assistant Coach for Player Development for the NBA's Charlotte Hornets. He was head coach at the University of Hartford from 2006-10 and his college assistant coaching experience include positions at Temple University from 1996-2006 and the University of Pennsylvania from 2010-12.
At Hartford, where Leibovitz was the fourth youngest coach in Division I when he was hired, he led the Hawks to the school's best single-season win total and the team's only appearance in the America East Championship Game.
He began his coaching career at Temple University, where he worked from 1996-2006 under Naismith Hall of Fame Head Coach John Chaney. During Leibovitz’s tenure with the Owls, Temple made five NCAA Tournament appearances and twice advanced to the NCAA's Elite Eight.
In addition to his duties with The American, Leibovitz is a member of the Men’s College Basketball Officiating (MCBO) Board of Managers, serving on the Competition Committee. The committee, comprised of key stakeholders in the game, analyzes statistical trends and assesses the impact of current and proposed rules in order to make recommendations to the Rules committee.”
Leibovitz earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 1996 and a M. Ed in Sport and Recreation Administration from Temple University in 1998.
Leibovitz, 42, and his wife Nancy are the parents of 10-year-old daughter Kaiya, an 8-year-old son Noah and a 4-year-old son Nash.
WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT DAN LEIBOVITZ
“Dan Leibovitz is a terrific hire for the Southeastern Conference. He brings to the SEC a wealth of coaching experience along with more recent success as a conference basketball administrator. I have been impressed with Dan’s intellect, character and perspective when dealing with national college basketball initiatives. Dan is a rising leader in our game, and I believe he will serve the SEC membership well in men’s basketball. Congratulations to Commissioner Greg Sankey on making an excellent choice in Dan Leibovitz.” – Dan Gavitt, Vice President of Men’s Basketball Championships, NCAA
"The SEC made a great call hiring Dan Leibovitz. Dan has extensive basketball experience, from the coaching box on up, and he has studied the game from every vantage point. He is very smart and thoroughly examines every issue before making an informed judgment. Dan is a difference maker." -- Jay Bilas, ESPN
“Dan is one of the brightest and hardest working individuals in college athletics. He is a fabulous addition to SEC basketball.” – Mike Tranghese, former Big East Conference Commissioner; Special Advisor to SEC Commissioner for Men’s Basketball
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