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LaVall Jordan
LaVall Jordan
from Wikipedia

LaVall Jurrant Jordan (born April 16, 1979) is an American college basketball coach who is currently an assistant coach at DePaul University. He previously served as the head coach at Butler University and Milwaukee, as well as assistant coach at Michigan, Iowa, and Butler. In six seasons as an assistant coach under Michigan head coach John Beilein, Michigan advanced to the NCAA tournament each year except 2015, won Big Ten Conference regular season championships in 2012 and 2014 and appeared in the Elite 8 in 2014 and the National Championship in 2013.

Key Information

Playing career

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Jordan played for Butler from 1998 to 2001. He helped lead the team to three Midwestern Collegiate Conference (now Horizon League) tournament titles and two regular-season championships while also playing in four consecutive postseason tournaments — three NCAA (1998, 2000, and 2001) and one NIT (1999). Butler also won its first NCAA Tournament game in 39 years with a 79–63 win over Wake Forest in 2001.[1][2] He was a two-time All-Conference player and the 2001 Midwestern Collegiate Conference men's basketball tournament MVP.[3]

Jordan played professional basketball in Europe for one year after graduating. He was the first Butler player to participate in the NBA Development League, playing for the Huntsville Flight.[1]

Coaching career

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Assistant at Butler and Iowa

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Jordan spent four years (2003–07) on Todd Lickliter's staff at Butler before following him to Iowa for three additional seasons (2007–2010).[1]

Assistant at Michigan

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Jordan (fourth from left) with the national runner-up 2012–13 Michigan Wolverines

Under coach John Beilein at Michigan, Jordan's focus was on recruiting and developing back court players along with defensive strategies, scouting, and on-court coaching.[1] Jordan is often given credit in greatly aiding in the development of Michigan's guards, especially point guards. During the time he spent there, Trey Burke, Tim Hardaway Jr. and Darius Morris all played under Jordan.[4][5] As a member of the coaching staff, Jordan helped Michigan to five NCAA Tournament appearances, including two trips to the Elite Eight and one to the National Championship Game in 2013.[6]

Head coach at UW-Milwaukee

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On April 7, 2016, Milwaukee hired Jordan to replace Rob Jeter.[2][7] In his first year as a head coach with the 2016–17 Milwaukee Panthers, the team finished with an 11–24 record, but it made an improbable run in the 2017 Horizon League men's basketball tournament, becoming the first 10th-seeded team to win a Horizon League tournament game, and going on to reach the championship game against Northern Kentucky. Had they won, they would have set a record for the team with the most losses reaching the NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament.[8][9]

Head coach at Butler

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On June 12, 2017, Butler hired Jordan to replace Chris Holtmann.[10] Butler's athletic director Barry Collier had recruited Jordan as a player and coached him for three seasons.[3] In his first season as head coach, he led the unranked Bulldogs to a stunning 101–93 upset of No. 1 Villanova in Hinkle Fieldhouse, marking Butler's third straight win over the Wildcats.

On April 1, 2022, Butler announced that they had parted ways with Jordan.

Personal life

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Jordan is married to Destinee Jordan and they have three daughters together.[11] Jordan is a Christian.[12][13]

Head coaching record

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Statistics overview
Season Team Overall Conference Standing Postseason
Milwaukee Panthers (Horizon League) (2016–2017)
2016–17 Milwaukee 11–24 4–14 10th
Milwaukee: 11–24 (.314) 4–14 (.222)
Butler Bulldogs (Big East Conference) (2017–2022)
2017–18 Butler 21–14 9–9 T–6th NCAA Division I Round of 32
2018–19 Butler 16–17 7–11 T–8th NIT First Round
2019–20 Butler 22–9 10–8 5th
2020–21 Butler 10–15 8–12 10th
2021–22 Butler 14–19 6–14 T–9th
Butler: 83–74 (.529) 40–54 (.426)
Total: 94–98 (.490)

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
LaVall Jordan (born April 16, 1979) is an American coach and former player who currently serves as assistant coach and general manager for the men's team. A graduate of with a bachelor's degree in journalism (2001), Jordan played as a starting guard for the Bulldogs from 1998 to 2001, helping secure three conference tournament titles, two regular-season championships, and Butler's first NCAA Tournament win in 39 years during the 2001 tournament. He tallied 91 career victories as a player, the most in Butler history at the time, and earned two All-Midwestern Collegiate Conference honors along with the 2001 league tournament MVP award. After brief professional play in and the NBA Development League, Jordan transitioned to coaching, beginning his career at his as director of basketball operations (2003–04) and assistant coach (2004–07), where he contributed to a 2006–07 season that included a 29–7 record, a shared title, and a Sweet 16 appearance. Jordan's assistant coaching roles expanded to the (2007–10) and the (2010–16), where during his six seasons under head coach , the Wolverines achieved a 143–70 record, made six NCAA Tournament appearances—including a 2013 and 2014 —and developed eight All-Big Ten guards and six picks. He then became a head coach for the first time at the in 2016–17, leading the Panthers to an 11–24 record and a Tournament championship game as the No. 10 seed. Returning to Butler as head coach from 2017 to 2022, Jordan compiled an 83–74 overall record (40–54 in Big East play), including two 20-win seasons, a No. 5 national ranking in 2019–20, and the program's 11th-best defensive efficiency that year (allowing 62.1 points per game). Notable highlights included a 2018 NCAA Tournament run to the second round, capped by a 101–93 upset of No. 1 seed Villanova, and 2019 NIT participation; he also mentored players like and to 2,000-point milestones and All-Big East honors. Following his tenure at Butler, Jordan worked as a lead college basketball analyst for FOX Sports, covering Big East games for two seasons, before joining DePaul in April 2024 under head coach to bolster the program's staff with his extensive Big East and player-development experience.

Early life and education

Early years

LaVall Jordan was born on April 16, 1979, in , to teenage parents: his , Nate Mitchell, was 16 years old and his mother, Karen Jordan, was 17 at the time of his birth. His parents never married, and Jordan took his mother's surname, a decision his supported without reservation. Jordan grew up in Albion, a small working-class town in south-central Michigan, where he was raised by an extended network of family members, including his parents, aunt, uncle, grandmother, and grandfather. He spent the first 14 years of his life living primarily with his great-great aunt and uncle, while maintaining close involvement with his young parents, who were often mistaken for his siblings due to their similar ages. This multigenerational family dynamic emphasized accountability and responsibility, with freedoms such as playing sports conditioned on completing chores like mowing lawns and maintaining good grades. His father's influence was particularly strong during childhood, as the two spent significant time together, fostering a brotherly bond that shaped Jordan's early sense of . emerged as a central interest in this environment, introduced through local opportunities in Albion, where participation required meeting academic and household standards set by his relatives.

High school and college

Jordan attended Albion High School in Albion, Michigan, where he developed his basketball skills in a tight-knit community setting. He joined the varsity team as a sophomore but did not start that year, instead contributing off the bench while honing his defensive abilities. Despite not being the top player on the team, which reached the Michigan Class B state semifinals in 1996 and the championship game in 1997—losing to a powerhouse led by future NBA star Shane Battier—Jordan averaged 11.7 points per game as a junior and 12.4 as a senior, earning recognition for his stout defense. Academically focused, Jordan maintained strong performance in high school, which positioned him for college opportunities. He was recruited by University's head coach Barry Collier, drawn to the program's small-school community atmosphere and ambitious vision for success on the court. This led to a basketball scholarship at , where he enrolled in 1997 to pursue both athletics and . At , Jordan majored in with an emphasis on , balancing his studies with team commitments. He graduated in 2001 with a in , reflecting his interest in media and communication. Beyond , he engaged in early career-oriented activities, including interviews for , , and roles, which foreshadowed his post-playing involvement in program operations.

Playing career

College career

LaVall Jordan played as a guard for the Butler Bulldogs from 1997 to 2001, appearing in 125 games during his four-year tenure. He began as a reserve in his and seasons before earning a starting role in his junior and senior years, where he averaged 11.7 and 12.4 points per game, respectively. Overall, Jordan contributed 977 points, averaging 7.8 points per game while helping the team secure 91 victories—the most for any Butler player at the time. Under head coaches Barry Collier and , with Todd Lickliter serving as an assistant during Jordan's final two seasons, the Bulldogs achieved significant success in the Midwestern Collegiate Conference (now the ). Jordan played a key role in winning three conference tournament titles in 1998, 2000, and 2001, as well as two regular-season championships. These accomplishments led to four consecutive postseason appearances, including NCAA Tournament berths in 1998, 2000, and 2001, and an NIT invitation in 1999—marking Butler's first NCAA win in 2000. Jordan earned individual recognition as a two-time All-Midwestern Collegiate selection and was named the league tournament MVP in 2001, where he scored 21 points in the championship game against . His growth into a team leader was evident in his senior year, as he provided steady ball-handling and scoring while fostering chemistry under Lickliter's guidance, setting the stage for his later coaching career at .

Professional career

After graduating from in 2001, LaVall Jordan pursued a brief professional basketball career as a guard, beginning with a stint in during the 2001–2002 season. Specific teams and leagues from this period remain undocumented in available records, but it marked his initial foray into compensated play overseas following his collegiate success. In the 2002–2003 season, Jordan joined the Huntsville Flight of the NBA Development League (now G League), becoming the first Butler player to participate in the league. He appeared in games as a reserve guard, contributing to the team's efforts, though detailed individual statistics such as points or assists per game are not publicly archived. The Flight finished the season with a 22–28 record, missing the playoffs. Jordan's professional playing career spanned approximately two years, encompassing limited opportunities in both and the D-League, after which he transitioned away from the around due to the competitive challenges of sustaining a roster spot at the professional level. Comprehensive totals are unavailable.

Coaching career

Assistant coach at Butler (2003–2007)

LaVall Jordan began his coaching career at his , , in 2003, initially serving as the coordinator of basketball operations during the 2003–04 season under Todd Lickliter. In this administrative role, he supported operations and logistics for the program while gaining insight into collegiate coaching dynamics. Jordan's promotion to full-time assistant coach in 2004 marked his transition to on-court involvement, where he remained through the 2006–07 season. As an assistant, Jordan's responsibilities encompassed recruiting, player development, scouting opponents, and contributing to game preparation and strategy. He focused on evaluating prospects and mentoring guards, drawing from his own experience as a from 1998 to 2001. A key achievement in recruiting came in 2007, when Jordan helped secure the program's first Top 100-rated high school prospect, elevating 's talent acquisition in the . He also played a role in developing players like A.J. Graves, who became a standout scorer during the period. Jordan's contributions coincided with Butler's rise in the Horizon League, including a shared regular-season title in 2007 and NCAA Tournament appearances in 2005, 2006, and 2007. The 2006–07 season stood out, with the Bulldogs posting a 29–7 record and advancing to the NCAA Sweet 16 after defeating Old Dominion and , before falling to eventual national champion . These successes helped solidify Butler's reputation for disciplined, efficient play under Lickliter. Returning to Butler held deep personal significance for Jordan, who viewed the opportunity as a that allowed him to give back to the institution that shaped his playing career and instilled values of and . Lickliter, who had been an assistant during Jordan's playing days, provided the entry point into coaching, fostering a seamless integration into the staff. This period laid the foundation for Jordan's coaching philosophy, emphasizing holistic player growth beyond the court.

Assistant coach at Iowa (2007–2010)

LaVall Jordan joined the as an assistant coach in April 2007 under head coach Todd Lickliter, with whom he had previously worked at . In this role, Jordan handled responsibilities including on-court coaching, game preparation, prospect evaluation, and recruiting efforts as part of the staff's focus on rebuilding the program following Steve Alford's departure. During Jordan's three seasons at Iowa, the Hawkeyes posted an overall record of 38–58, with yearly marks of 13–19 in 2007–08, an improvement to 15–17 in 2008–09, and a decline to 10–22 in 2009–10. The staff emphasized a structured and defensive principles carried over from Lickliter's successful Butler tenure, aiming to instill discipline in a transitioning program amid the rigors of Big Ten competition. Jordan contributed to recruiting key talents, such as guard Matt Gatens, a top-100 national prospect in the class of who became a standout scorer for , averaging 14.7 points per game as a senior in 2011–12. His efforts helped stabilize the roster during a period marked by significant challenges, including multiple player transfers—such as four departures in spring 2009—and heightened fan expectations in a high-profile conference. Despite these hurdles, the emphasis on program reconstruction laid foundational elements for future development.

Assistant coach at Michigan (2010–2016)

LaVall Jordan served as an assistant coach at the from 2010 to 2016 under head coach , where he specialized in recruiting, perimeter player development, and game planning. As the program's recruiting coordinator, Jordan focused on key regions including , , and the area, contributing to the influx of talented guards that fueled the team's resurgence. He also played a pivotal role in shifting Michigan's offensive strategy toward a pick-and-roll emphasis and coached the backcourt players, emphasizing defensive strategies alongside skill enhancement. During Jordan's tenure, Michigan achieved significant success, including five NCAA Tournament appearances and a 143–70 overall record (.671 winning percentage), averaging 24 wins per season. The Wolverines reached three consecutive Sweet 16s from 2011 to 2013, advanced to the 2013 national championship game after a Final Four run, and made the in 2014. The program secured Big Ten regular-season titles in (co-champions with a 13–5 record) and 2014 (outright champions with 15–3). These accomplishments marked a turnaround for Michigan, transforming it into a national contender after earlier struggles. Jordan's player development efforts were particularly notable, as he mentored several guards who earned All-Big Ten honors and progressed to the NBA, including (2011), (2012 and 2013, National Player of the Year in 2013), (2013), (2013 and 2014, consensus All-American in 2014), and (2016). Overall, he coached eight perimeter players to All-Big Ten recognition during his time in Ann Arbor, with six from his era reaching professional .

Head coach at Milwaukee (2016–2017)

LaVall Jordan was hired as the head coach of the men's basketball team on April 7, 2016, succeeding , who had been fired on March 17 after leading the Panthers to a 20–13 record in the 2015–16 season. Jordan, coming off six seasons as an assistant at where the Wolverines achieved a 143–70 record and reached the 2013 game, was selected for his recruiting prowess and player development skills. Amanda Braun praised Jordan's integrity and winning background, noting his potential to elevate the program in the . In his lone season, Jordan guided the Panthers to an 11–24 overall record and 4–14 mark in conference play, finishing 10th in the and failing to qualify for the postseason tournament. The team inherited significant roster challenges from the coaching transition, including an undersized and inexperienced group that featured heavy reliance on freshmen and sophomores amid post-firing departures. Jordan emphasized building a foundation through defensive discipline, which limited opponents to 71.3 points per game—a slight improvement from the prior year's 72.5—but offensive inconsistencies plagued the squad, averaging just 67.1 points per game compared to 79.3 the season before. Jordan's tenure ended on June 12, 2017, when he departed for the head coaching position at , his , after just one year at . The move came amid ongoing program instability, providing Jordan an opportunity to return to a more established mid-major powerhouse while leaving to rebuild under new leadership.

Head coach at Butler (2017–2022)

On June 12, 2017, hired LaVall Jordan as its head men's basketball coach on a six-year contract, succeeding who had departed for Ohio State. As a former standout player and early assistant coach at his alma mater, Jordan returned to lead the Bulldogs with a commitment to preserving the program's foundational principles known as "The Butler Way," emphasizing discipline, teamwork, and academic excellence amid the rigors of play. Jordan's tenure began promisingly, with the Bulldogs achieving a 21–14 overall record and a 9–9 mark in Big East play during the 2017–18 season, earning a berth in the NCAA Tournament as a No. 10 seed, where they defeated No. 7 in the first round before falling to No. 2 Purdue in the second round. The following year, in 2018–19, Butler posted a 16–17 record, showing competitiveness in a challenging conference but missing the postseason. Jordan focused on player development, notably elevating guard into a key contributor who earned All-Big East honors and became a finalist for the Shooting Guard of the Year Award by his senior year in 2020. In 2019–20, the team surged to a 22–9 record, reaching as high as No. 5 in national polls—the program's highest ranking since joining the Big East—and securing their first Big East Tournament victory in school history, though the season ended prematurely due to the . Subsequent seasons brought challenges, as the Bulldogs struggled with a 10–15 record in 2020–21, hampered by ongoing disruptions that limited non-conference scheduling and affected team cohesion. The 2021–22 campaign resulted in a 14–19 finish, marking the second consecutive losing season and extending a postseason , with no NCAA Tournament appearances after 2018 despite the program's of consistent Big East contention. Over five seasons, Jordan compiled an 83–74 overall record and a 40–54 mark in Big East regular-season play, reflecting loyalty to Butler's and defensive schemes but ultimately falling short of the sustained success expected in a power conference. On April 1, 2022, Butler announced it had parted ways with Jordan following the disappointing 2021–22 season, with athletic director Barry Collier citing the need for new leadership to elevate the program.

Broadcasting career (2022–2024)

Following his dismissal from Butler in March 2022, LaVall Jordan entered the broadcasting field, joining Fox Sports as an on-air analyst for the 2022–23 college basketball season. In this role, he contributed to game commentary and studio segments, leveraging his background as a head coach to deliver expert analysis on team strategies, player development, and recruiting dynamics. Jordan's appearances focused particularly on Big East Conference matchups, where his familiarity with the league enhanced his breakdowns of competitive play. Jordan returned to Fox Sports for the 2023–24 season, continuing as a game and studio analyst alongside commentators such as Donny Marshall and . His contributions remained part-time, allowing flexibility amid other professional pursuits, and emphasized insightful observations on coaching decisions and game flow without a full-time broadcast commitment. This broadcasting stint sustained Jordan's prominence in media, fostering connections that supported his eventual return to coaching roles.

Assistant coach at DePaul (2024–present)

In April 2024, DePaul head coach hired LaVall Jordan as an assistant coach and general manager for the men's basketball program. This dual role leverages Jordan's prior Big East experience from his time at , positioning him to contribute to the program's operational and competitive revival. Jordan's responsibilities encompass recruiting, player development, and day-to-day operations, with a particular emphasis on enhancing DePaul's standing in the Big East Conference. As general manager, he oversees roster construction and administrative functions, while his assistant coaching duties focus on on-court skill enhancement and team strategy. His recent broadcasting role with FOX Sports had kept him attuned to conference dynamics, aiding his transition back to active coaching. During the 2024–25 season, Jordan played a key role in DePaul's turnaround from a 3–29 record in 2023–24—the worst in program history—to 14–20 overall and 4–16 in Big East play, marking an 11-win improvement and the nation's largest gain in KenPom adjusted efficiency rankings. The staff, including Jordan, secured a recruiting class featuring freshmen such as forward Jonas Johnson from DePaul Prep, Isaiah Medina from Gibbs High School, and guard Kruz McClure from , bolstering the team's depth and contributing to early-season home success (11–8 at ) and a first-round Big East Tournament upset over Georgetown. This progress reflects Jordan's efforts in fostering competitiveness amid DePaul's ongoing rebuild from years of sub-.500 finishes.

Personal life

Family

LaVall Jordan married Destinee Jordan in June 2004, shortly after meeting her at in 2001. The couple has three daughters: Ava, Alanna, and Adalynn. Throughout Jordan's coaching career, his has provided crucial support during multiple relocations. When he was hired as at the in 2016, Destinee and their daughters joined him promptly, attending his introductory press conference together. Upon his return to as in 2017, the moved from , , to , , with Destinee handling initial drives between the locations while they house-hunted. During his five-year tenure at , the settled in , where Destinee prioritized raising the children amid Jordan's demanding schedule. Jordan frequently describes his family as a central for his coaching pursuits, emphasizing how they instill values of accountability and community that influence his approach to building team relationships. He has highlighted blending his personal family life with his professional "basketball family," such as when players from his staff read to his daughters, reinforcing his commitment to long-term player development.

Faith and community involvement

LaVall Jordan identifies as a Christian whose faith has profoundly shaped his personal and professional life. Raised in a churchgoing family, he attended services regularly as a child, influenced by his grandmother's role in the and his grandfather's position as a , often riding the Sunday School bus to participate. In March 2010, following his dismissal from the , Jordan rededicated his life to Christ, an experience he described as "a surrendering and rededicating my life and completely following him," which brought him ultimate peace and a sense of purpose in his career. Jordan's faith informs his coaching philosophy, emphasizing unity, growth, and mentorship for his players, drawing from biblical passages like Ephesians 4:11-16 to foster team development under "God’s grace." During his time at the University of Michigan from 2010 to 2016, he and his family worshiped at 2|42 Community Church in Ann Arbor, a congregation named after Acts 2:42, where his faith deepened through community ties. He has organized faith-based activities, such as a prayer meeting for Butler basketball players, families, and friends in New York following the 2020 season cancellation amid the COVID-19 pandemic, providing spiritual support during uncertainty. In , Jordan has supported philanthropic efforts, including a donation of between $1,000 and $4,999 alongside his wife Destinee to Firefly Children & Family Alliance in 2024, an organization aiding over 88,000 children and 54,000 families through programs like adoption support and emergency services. He actively participates in faith-oriented coaching ministries, such as speaking at the Nations of Coaches' Coaches Edge event during the 2025 NCAA , where he discussed integrating faith into team culture and personal growth alongside fellow coaches.

Head coaching record

Milwaukee Panthers

LaVall Jordan coached the Panthers for one season in 2016–17, compiling an 11–24 overall record and a 4–14 mark in play that placed the team 10th in the 10-team conference. The Panthers endured a challenging regular season marked by inconsistency and defensive struggles, averaging 67.1 points scored and 71.3 allowed per game. Notable regular-season victories included a 94–85 home triumph over Youngstown State on January 22 and a 73–69 road victory at Detroit Mercy on January 27. Despite the poor standing, Milwaukee staged an improbable run in the Horizon League tournament at Detroit's Joe Louis Arena, entering as the No. 10 seed. The Panthers defeated No. 7 Detroit Mercy 85–60 in the first round on March 3, upset No. 2 Valparaiso 43–41 in the quarterfinals on , and edged No. 3 UIC 74–68 in during the semifinals on March 6. Their Cinderella run ended in the championship game on March 7, a 59–53 loss to top-seeded , denying Milwaukee an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament. Guard Jeremiah Bell emerged as a key performer in the tournament, scoring 31 points in the opener and contributing significantly across the games. The season's difficulties were compounded by roster challenges, including a youth-heavy lineup with seven freshmen comprising a significant portion of the rotation, which led to adjustment issues in Jordan's first year. Injuries further depleted the frontcourt, most notably a season-ending hand injury to redshirt junior forward Alex Prahl after he appeared in just six games. These factors contributed to the team's low scoring output and inability to sustain momentum in conference play.
SeasonTeamGamesWinsLossesConference RecordConference FinishPostseason
2016–17Milwaukee3511244–1410th (Horizon)Horizon League Tournament Runner-up

Butler Bulldogs

References

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