Centre College Athletics has officially appointed Gavin Root as the permanent head coach for the Centre Men鈥檚 Basketball team. Root moved up from interim head coach to this new position after leading the team for the past 15 months, including a successful 2025-26 season where the Colonels finished with a 14-12 record. Athletic Director Brad Fields emphasized the program's rich history and expressed confidence in Root's ability to guide the Colonels into a new era. Root's commitment to the team and the institution was highlighted as he embraces the leadership role.

By the Numbers
  • Centre College finished the 2025-26 season with a record of 14-12.
  • The team averaged 77.8 points per game and ranked seventh in the nation in offensive rebounds with an average of 15.5 per game.
State of Play
  • Root has been with the program since the 2023-24 season, initially serving as an assistant coach.
  • Nine of the team's top ten scorers are expected to return for the next season (2026-27).
What's Next

With Root now at the helm, the program is poised to build on this past season's momentum. As the team is set to retain most of its scoring core, expectations will be high for sustained success and possibly improved postseason performance in the coming year.

Bottom Line

Gavin Root's appointment as head coach marks a significant turning point for Centre Men's Basketball, aligning continuity with ambition. His leadership and deep connection to the program are expected to cultivate future success, both on the court and in player development.