A Familiar Eagle Takes the Helm

David Riley spent almost a decade as an EWU assistant. Now it’s his turn to lead.

David Riley ’13, a longtime EWU assistant, on March 25 was named to succeed his former boss, Shantay Legans, as the new head coach of the Eagles men’s basketball team.

The upcoming 2021-22 season will be Riley’s 11th in Eastern’s program, and his eighth as a coach.

“My former coaches and bosses, Shantay Legans, Jim Hayford, and Craig Fortier have taught me so much, along with all the other assistants who have helped me throughout my time here,” says Riley. “I’m so grateful to Dr. [David] May and Lynn Hickey for giving me this opportunity to build upon the success our program has had.”

He will have big shoes to fill. In Big Sky Conference games under Legans, Eastern’s 53 victories represented the Eagles’ best stretch of success in its 34 seasons in the league. Eastern has won at least 10 conference games in eight-straight seasons, something that has only happened six times before.

Legans has no doubt his former associate head coach will keep the momentum going. “It makes me feel good that Dave is going to take over,” says Legans. “He’ll do a great job.”