Eastern Illinois Director of Athletics Barbara Burke has announced that Lee Buchanan has been hired as the Panthers new head women's basketball coach. An introductory press conference will take place on Monday, June 4 at 11 a.m. in the Lantz Arena Club Room.
Buchanan recently finished his fifth season as an assistant coach at EIU with the last four as the associate head coach. In that time the Panthers have had their most successful five year run in program history which includes three straight post season appearances, three 20-win seasons in the last four years and the first regular season conference championship.
"I am happy to announce that Lee Buchanan has been selected as EIU's next head coach," Burke said. "During the interview process it was apparent that Coach Buchanan was the best choice for this position and gives us the opportunity to both continue and grow the success we have had with our women's basketball program. His passion and desire to lead this program were evident to everyone associated with the search. I would like the thank all of the members of the screening committee for their help."
Buchanan was among four finalists who interviewed on campus last week for the vacant position.
Prior to coming to EIU as a member of Brady Sallee's coaching staff, Buchanan was a successful head coach at the NCAA Division II and NAIA levels. He compiled more than 350 career wins with stops at Missouri-St. Louis (2003-07), Francis Marion (1998-02) and Brescia University (1986-98). Buchanan also served one season as the associate head coach at Southern Mississippi (2002-03). His teams made three NCAA Division II post season appearances and three NAIA post season appearances.
EIU was 22-9 last season and 13-3 in the Ohio Valley Conference. The Panthers lost in the first round of the Women's NIT at Texas Tech.