Grand Canyon hires Bryce Drew as men's basketball coach to replace Dan Majerle

Grand Canyon announced Tuesday morning it has hired Bryce Drew to be its men's basketball coach.

A former Valparaiso star and coach and more recently coach at Vanderbilt, Drew replaces Dan Majerle, who was let go after posting a 136–89 record in Grand Canyon's first seven years as an NCAA Division I member

The school acted quickly to find a replacement after the Antelopes finished their season. It looked both within at current assistant Marvin Menzies, a former New Mexico State and UNLV coach, and also candidates outside the program.

In the end, it made Drew a priority.

"We are unbelievably excited to have Bryce Drew lead our basketball program into its next phase of development," Grand Canyon president Brian Mueller said. "Bryce built a very successful mid-major program at Valparaiso and proved he can recruit at a high level at Vanderbilt but, most importantly, he embodies the Christian mission of the University in how he lives his life both on and off the court."

Drew, 45, led both Valparaiso and Vanderbilt to NCAA tournament appearances. He was fired by Vanderbilt last year after the team went 9-23, including 0-18 in the SEC. Drew finished with a 40-59 record in three seasons with the Commodores. 

During his time at his alma mater Valparaiso, Drew led the Crusaders to the NCAA tournament in 2013 and 2015. They finished runner-up in the NIT in 2016.

"I like building relationships and recruiting is building relationships," Drew said. "To be able to go into a young man's house and sit down with him to map out his future and then have them achieve those goals and dreams four years later is a great feeling. We love to help young men develop into Godly men and great husbands and hopefully win championships along the way."