Hofstra set to hire Niagara coach Joe Mihalich

Hofstra University has found its new basketball coach. The school will announce the hiring of longtime Niagara coach Joe Mihalich on Wednesday, a source told

Joe Mihalich led Niagara to two NCAA tournament appearances and is the MAAC's winningest coach :: Joseph Weiser/Landov

Hofstra University has found its new basketball coach. The school will announce the hiring of longtime Niagara coach Joe Mihalich on Wednesday, a source told SI.com.

Mihalich spent Tuesday on the Hofstra campus and agreed to terms with the school. The school is expected to hold a press conference on Wednesday to introduce Mihalich.

Mihalich, 56, is a veteran coach who compiled more wins than any coach in MAAC history. In 15 years at Niagara, Mihalich led the Purple Eagles to two NCAA tournaments and a 265-203 record. Mihalich won the MAAC regular season this year and was also named the conference coach of the year.

He's taking over a Hofstra program that went 7-25 last season and just 4-14 in the Colonial Athletic Association. Even worse were the problems off the court, including the arrest of four of players in late November for taking part in a string of dormitory burglaries.

Mihalich is known for pulling up downtrodden programs. In 2005, he led Niagara to its first NCAA tournament since 1970. Hofstra has not reached the NCAA tournament since Jay Wright led them to back-to-back appearances in 2000 and 2001.