Mobile City Council proclaims May 25 “Coach Joe Niland Day”

MOBILE, Ala. -- City of Mobile Council President Reggie Copeland, Sr. proclaimed, May 25, “Coach Joe Niland Day” Tuesday afternoon at a Mobile city council meeting in honor of University of Mobile men’s basketball head coach Joe Niland for his commitment to the city of Mobile. 

Niland, who led Mobile to a 29-10 record in 2003-04 and an appearance in the NAIA Final Four, has posted a 105-63 overall career record at Mobile and a 51-33 record in Gulf Coast Athletic Conference action.

Niland’s coaching philosophy is for the student-athlete to not only achieve accolades on the court but also in the classroom and is most proud of the 32 of 33 seniors that have earned their bachelor degree in his 10 seasons of head coaching.

Prior to arriving on campus at the University of Mobile, Niland was the former head basketball coach at cross-town rival, Spring Hill College.  Before coming to Mobile, Niland spent three seasons as an Assistant Coach at Florida Southern College and the University of Tampa.

When not roaming the sidelines for the Rams, Niland lends his coaching expertise in the Catholic Youth Organization working with youth teams at his church, St. Dominics, coaching various AAU and youth teams and running a number of basketball clinics for youth coaches.

“I do it to help those who don’t coach, so that they can have an idea of how to organize practices and how to work with and develop talent the right way and have a positive influence on the kid,” Niland said.

Niland resides in west Mobile with his wife, Ellen, and their four children: A.J., Katelin, Jake and Patrick.

 -30-

[Return to UM Sports Web]