The University of Mississippi Athletics
Eric Bozeman Named Head Coach at Southern Arkansas
5/9/2005 | Men's Basketball
May 9, 2005
MAGNOLIA, Ark. - Ole Miss assistant basketball coach Eric Bozeman is returning to his home state as the new head coach at Southern Arkansas, as announced Monday by SAU officials.
A native of Little Rock, Bozeman had served on the Rebels' staff since Rod Barnes became head coach in 1998. During his seven years, Bozeman helped the program achieve unparalleled success, recording four winning seasons and four postseason berths, including three NCAA Tournament appearances.
"We congratulate Coach Bozeman and are happy for him with this opportunity," Barnes said. "The commitment and work ethic he has given over the last seven years is exactly what I asked for. He was true to his word, and we're so appreciative of what he's meant to this program. I am thankful for the memories and the relationship we will continue to have."
A 1981 graduate of Arkansas Tech, Bozeman joined the Ole Miss staff after directing the Henderson State University program in Arkadelphia, Ark., for five years, 1993-1998. In his last two seasons, he directed the Reddies to back-to-back 20-win seasons, 20-8 in 1996-97, and 20-9 in 1997-98. An assistant at HSU for two seasons before being named the head coach, Bozeman turned in an overall 71-67 mark at the Henderson helm.
Bozeman served as athletics director and head coach at Shorter Junior College in Little Rock 1989-91, and prior to that, was an assistant coach from 1981-89 at Little Rock Parkview High School, where he also played his prep basketball.
As a player at Arkansas Tech, Bozeman was a unanimous All-Arkansas Intercollegiate Conference (AIC) pick in 1981 and was one of the league's top scorers that season with a 20.9 average. He earned his bachelor's degree in Education from Arkansas Tech, and received a master's in Social Counseling from Henderson State in 1986.
A formal press conference at Southern Arkansas will be scheduled later this week.
Ole Miss has set no timetable on filling the vacant assistant coach position.
