01 Apr 2026 Trojans name veteran coach to lead men’s basketball

LITTLE ROCK — Little Rock Director of Athletics Frank M. Cuervo proudly announced March 26 that veteran head coach Travis Ford, one of college basketball’s most accomplished program builders and respected leaders, has been named the Trojans’ new men’s basketball head coach, pending finalization of the contract by the University of Arkansas System.

The seven-time NCAA Tournament participant with nearly three decades of head coaching experience and approaching 500 career victories, Ford brings an unmatched blend of success, energy, and vision to Little Rock.Ford’s arrival represents a clear and ambitious vision for Little Rock Basketball — one centered on toughness, development and sustained excellence. With a proven winner at the helm and renewed energy surrounding the program, the Trojans are poised to rise, compete, and make their mark on the national stage.

“Travis Ford is a winner and one of the top coaches in college basketball,” said Cuervo. “Throughout his career, he has consistently elevated programs, recruited at a high level, and developed student-athletes who thrive both on and off the court. His experience, leadership, and vision make him the right person to lead us into this next chapter.”
Cuervo went on to say that Ford’s impact as the leader of Little Rock Basketball extends beyond the floor.

“As impressive as his on court achievements are, what excites me most is Coach Ford’s ability to connect—he understands the importance of building meaningful relationships with his players, campus constituents, and the Central Arkansas community. He will engage our fans, alumni, and supporters in a way that brings new energy to our program. We are committed to building something special that reflects the passion of Trojan Nation. I am confident Travis will lead a program that everyone can rally behind and be proud of.”

Across stops at Eastern Kentucky, Massachusetts, Oklahoma State, and Saint Louis, Ford has consistently delivered results, winning 20 or more games in a season 14 times, while competing for championships, earning postseason berths, and building cultures rooted in toughness and accountability.

“I’m incredibly excited to be the head coach at Little Rock,” said Coach Ford. “This is a program with tremendous opportunity, strong institutional support, and a passionate community behind it. From the moment I stepped on campus, you could feel the energy and pride that surrounds Trojan Athletics.”

Most recently at Saint Louis (2016–24), Ford revitalized the Billikens program and restored it to national prominence. He compiled a 133-89 record, becoming the third-winningest head coach in school history while leading the program to three postseason appearances. His tenure was highlighted by a 2019 Atlantic 10 Championship run, when Saint Louis captured four wins in four days to earn an NCAA Tournament berth—one of the most memorable conference tournament performances in recent history.

Under his leadership, the Billikens reached as high as No. 22 in the AP Top 25, secured a No. 1 seed in the NIT. His teams consistently positioned themselves for postseason success, including a 23-8 campaign in 2019-20, which was cut short by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Now, Ford brings that same championship blueprint to Little Rock at a pivotal time, as the Trojans prepare to embark on competition in the United Athletic Conference.

“Travis Ford brings the veteran leadership and proven track record of success that the Trojans need to become consistent winners,” UA Little Rock Chancellor Christina Drale said. “We are confident he will represent the university with excellence while leading our men’s basketball program to sustained success.”

Ford enters his 28th season as a head coach with a career record of 491-355, a testament to his consistency and ability to win across multiple levels and conferences.

Prior to Saint Louis, he spent eight seasons at Oklahoma State (2008–16), leading the Cowboys to five NCAA Tournament appearances and compiling a 155-111 record while recruiting and developing elite talent, including three McDonald’s All-Americans. At Massachusetts (2005–08), he guided the Minutemen to back-to-back 20-win seasons and an appearance in the 2008 NIT Championship Game.

Ford first made his Division I mark at Eastern Kentucky (2000–05), engineering one of the most impressive turnarounds in program history, culminating in the 2005 Ohio Valley Conference Championship and the program’s first NCAA Tournament appearance in 26 years. He began his head coaching career at Campbellsville (1997–2000), where he quickly established a winning culture.

As a player, Ford competed at the highest level, starring at Kentucky and helping lead the Wildcats to the 1993 NCAA Final Four under Hall of Fame head coach Rick Pitino—an experience that helped shape his approach to leadership, preparation, and building championship-level teams. The two remain close and the legendary Pitino continues to be a mentor to his former player.

A native of Madisonville, Kentucky, Ford earned his bachelor’s degree in communications from Kentucky in 1994. He and his wife, Heather, have three children: Brooks, Kyleigh and Shane.