The Florida Atlantic Owls appeared to have found a successor to Dusty May, with ESPN reporting that Baylor Bears assistant John Jakus is set to take over as the new head coach of the American Athletic Conference program.
Jakus has been on Scott Drew’s staff for seven seasons, helping lead Baylor to the national championship in 2021 and back-to-back Big 12 regular-season titles in 2021 and 2022. He also spent three seasons on Mark Few’s staff at Gonzaga as director of basketball operations and began his college coaching career as a graduate assistant at Baylor.
John Jakus to Inherit a Florida Atlantic Owls Program That Reached New Heights Under Dusty May
With May leaving the Owls for Ann Arbor to coach the Michigan Wolverines, Florida Atlantic needed someone the school would be confident in handling the Owls. Florida Atlantic is coming off its second NCAA Tournament appearance in a row, though, the latest one ended early. The Owls nearly booked a ticket to the second round of the Big Dance but got eliminated in the first round by the Northwestern Wildcats via overtime, 77-65.
Although not a prominent name, Jakus has plenty of experience in a solid program, having spent several years in the Big 12 with the Bears.
Reactions to John Jakus FAU Hiring
“What set John Jakus apart for FAU? Haven’t asked the question yet, but I know three answers they’ll (likely) say — tons of NCAA tourney experience, mentorship by Mark Few, incredible knowledge of international players. This is a pretty good recovery in 96 hours by Brian White,” said AP’s Tim Reynolds, who also reported that Jakus’ contract is for five years.
“Best thing I can say about the @FAUMBBhire is that if you could combine @BaylorMBBScott Drew @ZagMBB Mark Few you would get John Jakus,” shared ESPN’s Fran Fraschilla.
Baylor head coach Scott Drew also congratulated Jakus.
“Thank you Coach Jakus for all you have done to help Build Baylor Basketball. Congrats and we know you will do a Tremendous job @FAUMBB!”
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