MOBILE, Ala. – Richie Riley has been named the head men's basketball coach at the University of South Alabama, as it was announced in a release by the institution on Thursday.

Riley compiled a 35-28 record during his two-year stint with the Colonels, including a 21-11 (15-3 SLC) mark this season, the program's best conference record since 1998 and highest overall win total since 1995. Consequently, he was deemed the 2017-18 Southland Conference Coach of the Year.

"I'm grateful for the opportunity I was given at Nicholls," Riley said. "It's been a blessing to be the head coach here and getting to meet so many great people in this community. Being from Kentucky and coming from Clemson, I didn't exactly know what to expect, but the people here welcomed my wife, Jess, and my family with open arms. It's just a credit to the special people we have in Thibodaux."

With Riley at the helm, the Colonels offense ranked 22^nd in Division I at 82.5 points per game. Nicholls also held Top 5 rankings in steals (9.6) and turnovers forced per game (17.3).

"All the credit goes to our players," Riley said. "They've been unbelievable to coach and have changed our program here at Nicholls. I give them all the credit. We created a winning culture, and that's something a lot of people didn't think could be done here. I'll always have a special place in my heart for Nicholls and the community of Thibodaux. It's been a special two years that I wouldn't trade for anything in this world."

The Colonels shared the regular-season league title with SLU before being ousted in the SLC Tournament semifinals by eventual champion SFA.

"Coach Riley did a remarkable job during his two-year run here at Nicholls and once again proved that Nicholls can have a special basketball program," Nicholls Athletics Director Matt Roan said. "Richie is a personal friend and I wish him nothing but the best at South Alabama. I know that he will do great things for their program just like he did at our place. Moving forward, our focus will be finding the next head coach to continue the positive momentum and the upward trajectory of the program. I am certain we will be able to bring on board someone who has great character, is a relentless recruiter, and has the talent to help us pursue and win championships." 

To stay up to date with Nicholls men's basketball, follow the team on Twitter @Nicholls_MBB.