Marlin Named
Men's Basketball Coach

Bob Marlin, who coached Pensacola Junior College to the 1993 national championship and has served as an assistant coach at Alabama, Marshall, Houston Baptist and Northeast Louisiana, has been named as men's basketball head coach at Sam Houston State University.

Marlin received National Junior College Athletic Association "Coach of the Year" honors in 1993 following Pensacola's national title. The national championship was the first ever for a Florida junior college. In his 17 seasons as both a head coach and assistant coach, his teams have compiled a record of 317 victories and 194 losses for a winning percentage of .620.

"Bob Marlin is going to be an outstanding asset for our Sam Houston State University program," said Director of Athletics Bobby Williams. "Our basketball search committee, chaired by Gary Bouse, did an exceptional job. Bob is a proven recruiter, a talented on-the-floor coach and has demonstrated a commitment not only to winning on the court but also to academic achievement. He and his family will be a valued addition to our coaching staff, our University and the Huntsville community."

As assistant to Head Coach David Hobbs, Marlin helped guide the Alabama Crimson Tide to a 51-43 record the past three seasons. Alabama's 1995-96 team was a National Invitational Tournament (NIT) final four participant, finished as runner-up in the Southeastern Conference Western Division and set a new season school record for three-point shooting. The 1996-97 Tide squad ranked as high as 18th nationally, led the SEC in free throw shooting and won the inaugural Top of the World Classic in Alaska.

In five seasons as head coach at Pensacola Junior College, Marlin compiled a 123-35 record. His national championship team in 1993 compiled the school's best single season record ever with a 31-5 mark. Each of his five seasons at Pensacola, his teams ranked among the top 20 in the NJCAA national rankings.

A native of Tupelo, Mississippi, Marlin received his Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education from Mississippi State in 1981 and his Masters in Health and Physical Education from Northeast Louisiana in 1983. Marlin and his wife, Betsy, have a five year old son, Matt.

"This is an exciting day for myself and my family," said Marlin. "It's great to be coming back to Texas and the Southland Conference. Sam Houston State is giving me a tremendous opportunity. I was extremely impressed with the campus and the community. With Bobby Williams as athletic director, there is a sense of excitement among the staff that makes me believe we can accomplish a lot. I look forward to the challenge and can't wait to get started."

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Media Contact: Paul Ridings
Aug. 4, 1998
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