MOBILE, Ala. – University of South Alabama Director of Athletics Dr. Joel Erdmann announced Friday that Ben Hannan has resigned as head men's golf coach in order to accept the position of Assistant Athletic Director for Athletics Development.
Hannan, who just completed his 13th season at the helm of the program, was also a member of three Jaguar teams that won Sun Belt Conference championships as a student-athlete in the early 1990s.
"South Alabama has been a big part of my life. This is home for me and my family," Hannan said. "I had 13 great years as the men's golf coach and have lasting relationships with many of my original teammates, former players and a ton of wonderful memories. To have the opportunity to coach the team I once played for was an honor.
"Moving forward, I am very excited in this new role to help the athletic department and university continue to grow and get better. I thank Dr. Erdmann and the administration for the opportunity, I am looking forward to getting started."
During Hannan's tenure as head coach, the Jags made four NCAA Regional appearances — including receiving the first two at-large berths in program history — had six student-athletes compete in NCAA postseason play on an individual basis, won two Sun Belt titles and had three players earn medalist honors at the league championship. He helped 13 members of the program earn all-conference honors on 26 occasions, while nine individuals received national academic honors from the Golf Coaches Association of America 14 times. Gareth Maybin was an honorable mention PING All-American in 2004, Hannan's first season, and Michael Garretson was voted the SBC Player of the Year in '14.
Maybin and Jonny Caldwell would participate in the Palmer Cup during their collegiate careers under his guidance, with the latter also selected to play in the Walker Cup following his senior season. The two were among seven members of the program to go on and compete at the professional level on the European PGA, Nationwide and NGA Pro Golf Tours.
Hannan was selected the league coach of the year in 2005 after leading the Jaguars to the team title, while in 2010 his squad overcame a four-stroke deficit entering the final day of the event to claim the title. That team would go on to finish seventh at the NCAA Regional, only three shots out of the top five and a berth in the NCAA Championship. In 2013, Hannan led the Jags to the program's first-ever at-large NCAA Regional berth, with USA tying for sixth just two strokes away from the national championship, and the program was again invited to participate in a regional the following year.
In addition to being a part of three SBC championship squads, Hannan was ranked among the top 20 in the league in scoring average his junior season; his efforts that spring — including a tie for 15th in the individual standings — helped USA to a runner-up finish at that year's conference tournament.
Hannan is a 1994 graduate of South Alabama with a degree in English, and he earned his master's degree in education in 2014. He and his wife Jill have three children, Sam, Meg and Maxwell.
"Ben has effectively prepared and positioned himself to transition from coaching to administration. His successful service as our head men's golf coach is appreciated while his future service leading our athletics development program will make us better," said Erdmann. "This position of Assistant AD for Athletics Development will coordinate with University Development and strategically plan, execute and monitor all athletics philanthropic giving including gifts to the Jaguar Athletic Fund and major gifts such as naming opportunities and endowments.
"We will begin a search for our new head coach of the men's golf program immediately."
In his new role, Hannan will serve as the lead development officer for the Athletics Department, provide strategic direction and coordination for the University's athletics development efforts including developing and implementing fund-raising strategies to generate annual and major gift support, and developing and implementing comprehensive fund-raising strategies for major gift prospects. He will also manage and provide strategic direction for the development and implementation of comprehensive fund-raising strategies for annual giving.
For more information about South Alabama athletics, check back with www.usajaguars.com, and follow the Jaguars at www.twitter.com/USAJaguarSports. Season tickets for all Jaguar athletic events can be purchased by calling (251) 461-1USA (1872).
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