Casey Kaufman has stepped down as head coach of the Ohio Dominican University men's basketball team after three seasons to pursue other professional opportunities. Reese Leone, previously an assistant coach, has been appointed as the interim head coach. Leone brings experience from his time as a graduate assistant and has laid out a commitment to recruit high character, competitive players while continuing the program鈥檚 momentum. Kaufman leaves behind a program that recently qualified for the Great Midwest Tournament for the first time in six years, marking significant improvement during his tenure.

By the Numbers
  • 19-10 record for the 2025-26 season, the team鈥檚 second-most wins in program history.
  • Helped the Panthers achieve a home quarterfinal game in the Great Midwest Tournament for the first time ever.
State of Play
  • Leone has begun preparing for the upcoming season after being promoted just before Kaufman鈥檚 resignation.
  • The team has seen a foundation of success with key player development under Kaufman, which Leone aims to build upon.
What's Next

With Leone at the helm, the program is expected to continue emphasizing strong character and competitiveness in recruiting. Ongoing evaluations of the current roster and strategy adjustments will be critical as the team prepares for the next season. Potential improvements may also focus on strengthening their defensive standings and building on the recent success in the conference.

Bottom Line

The transition from Kaufman to Leone signifies a pivotal moment for Ohio Dominican men鈥檚 basketball, with promises for continued growth and a focus on sustaining recent successes. As the interim coach, Leone will need to harness the positive momentum established by his predecessor to position the program for future victories.