Missouri hires Cleveland State basketball coach Dennis Gates

"After a comprehensive and efficient national search, during which we had the privilege of speaking with an impressive group of coaches, it became clear Coach Gates was what we needed in the next leader of our basketball program," Missouri athletic director Desiree Reed-Francois said for the prepared statement. "He's smart, driven and focused on winning. He's a proven recruiter, a strong evaluator of talent, an innovative teacher of the game and has a unique enthusiasm and passion for his work and for his student athletes that draws people in. He shares our vision of where Mizzou basketball can and will go. It is our privilege to welcome Coach Gates, his wife Jocelyn, and their family to Mizzou."

In a parting statement shared by the Vikings, Gates admitted it is "bittersweet to leave Cleveland State University." Before his time in Ohio, he previously spent eight seasons working under Leonard Hamilton with the Florida State Seminoles.

"On behalf of Cleveland State University, including President Sands and our administration, faculty and staff, students, alumni and fans, we sincerely thank Dennis for his time leading the Vikings," CSU athletic director Scott Garrett added. "We are incredibly proud of the championship culture that Coach Gates has worked hard to put in place, especially through the team's outstanding academic success, community engagement and recent on-court accomplishments. We wish nothing but the best to Dennis, his wife Jocelyn, and their children Avery, Duke and DJ, and we will be rooting for their continued success."

As Mitchell Forde of PowerMizzou explained, details on Gates' contract have not yet been unveiled. Cleveland State, meanwhile, has already begun a national search for Gates' replacement.