George Mason hires former program star Tony Skinn as head coach

Tony Skinn will be the 12th head coach in George Mason men's basketball history and the Patriots could not have selected a more fitting candidate for the job.

Skinn replaces Kim English, who earlier accepted the head-coaching position at Providence after Ed Cooley replaced Patrick Ewing at Georgetown. While college basketball coaching carousel has whirled on and on over the past few weeks, George Mason has to be ecstatic about where things ended up.

Skinn was a two-time All-Colonial Athletic Association guard for the Patriots from 2003-2006, notching 1,079 career points with the program in 68 starts. He was part of George Mason's historic 2006 Final Four Team, averaging 11.3 points while shooting 35% from beyond the long line during that March Madness run.

"Tony Skinn is the right man for this moment in Mason's basketball program," University President Gregory Washington said in a press release. "His coaching style will galvanize our student-athletes and his connection to our finest hour on the court is sure to electrify our alumni and fans. Let the Tony Skinn era begin!"

Skinn might have made a name for himself as a player at GMU, but now he will have to prove himself as a first-time head coach. He does have experience as a big-time assistant, though, working at Maryland last season while helping the Terrapins make it to the second round in the NCAA Tournament while putting together a respectable 22-13 record. The season before that, he was an assistant coach at Ohio State and before OSU, he spent three seasons at Seton Hall.

"It is with great excitement that I return home to George Mason," Skinn said. "I'd like to thank Dr. Washington and Nena Rogers on this tremendous opportunity and for believing in my vision. I am committed to greatness! We will set our standards high, hustle every step of the way and compete amongst the best."

"It's an unbelievable feeling to step back on campus. I've had some of my greatest memories here and I'm looking forward to making new ones with our fans and our community. Our best days are ahead! Mason Nation, I missed you and I am honored to represent you."