Baker Dunleavy has stepped down as head coach of the Quinnipiac men’s basketball team after being at the helm since the 2017-18 season. Bobcats assistant coach Tom Pecora will take over Dunleavy’s head coaching duties immediately.

In an email sent to students from the university, Dunleavy spoke about the impact the Quinnipiac community has made on himself and his family.

“Chrissi, our four girls, and I would like to thank the Quinnipiac community, especially the amazing staff and players that have worked so tirelessly these past six seasons,” Dunleavy said.

“We feel it is time for us to take a step out of coaching into a new exciting opportunity for our family. The University and the State of Connecticut will always hold a special place in our hearts and a part of us will always be Bobcats.”

Dunleavy took over from previous head coach Tom Moore, whose eight-season stay in Hamden saw the Bobcats make three national postseason appearances (NIT, CIT, and CBI) from 2009 to 2011. 

Signing on Mar. 28, 2017, Dunleavy became just the seventh coach in the program’s 67-year history.

The former Villanova assistant coach leaves the program with 86 wins in his six seasons as the Bobcat’s head coach, leading his squad to two MAAC Semifinals appearances.

His last season in Hamden was his best to date, recording a 20-12 record and reaching 20 regular season wins for only the ninth time since 1951.

“I am most grateful for coach Dunleavy’s commitment to our students,” Quinnipiac University President Judy Olian said. “For the excellent team of assistant coaches he put together, and for the ways in which he advanced the values of our community.”

“Baker is as much coach, as he is teacher and mentor in supporting our student-athletes development as players, and as individuals engaged as role models in the life of Quinnipiac.”

Hear more on Dunleavy’s resignation from men’s basketball beat reporter Keith Savage.

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