Cleveland State’s Men’s Basketball Coach Daniyal Robinson Moves to North Texas for Same Position

Cleveland State University has officially announced that head men’s basketball coach Daniyal Robinson will be leaving to take on the same role at the University of North Texas.

Robinson was hired in 2022 after the departure of then head coach Dennis Gates when Gates left for the University of Missouri.

CSU’s Director of Athletics Kelsie Gory Harkey released the following statement on Sunday evening:

The university expressed gratitude towards Coach Robinson for his leadership, commitment, and the progress he brought to the men’s basketball program during his three-year tenure. The institution appreciated his contributions and extended well wishes for his future. Coach Robinson upheld the program’s standard of excellence both on and off the court, guiding student-athletes towards success. The focus now shifts to recruiting a new head coach who can continue the program’s success on the court while offering a transformative experience to all players. The university acknowledged the support of President Bloomberg and the Cleveland State Board of Trustees in the search for a high-caliber coach to lead the team into the future.

Robinson led the Vikings to three straight 20-win seasons and a 65-42 record in his time with the team. CSU finished the 2024-25 season with a 23-13 (14-6 conference) record and a second-place finish in the Horizon League.

Cleveland State has made it as far as at least the Horizon League Tournament semifinals in each of the past five seasons combined under Gates and Robinson. The five consecutive winning seasons are also the most the program has had since the Kevin Mackey era.

Robinson will replace Ross Hodge at North Texas once Hodge leaves to become West Virginia’s new head coach. The 27-8 Mean Green finished second in American Athletic Conference this year and are set to face UC Irvine in the National Invitation Tournament semifinals on Tuesday.