Saint Louis' Travis Ford to coach Indiana State basketball

Former Billikens coach to take over Sycamores program

Travis Ford, who spent the last five seasons as the head coach of the Saint Louis Billikens men's basketball team, has been hired as the new head coach of the Indiana State Sycamores. Ford replaces Greg Lansing, who was fired after 10 seasons at the helm of the Sycamores.

Ford's tenure at Saint Louis

Ford led the Billikens to a 96-67 record during his five seasons in St. Louis, including a 50-32 mark in Atlantic 10 Conference play. He guided the Billikens to three NCAA Tournament appearances, including a Sweet 16 berth in 2019.

Ford's teams were known for their up-tempo style of play and their ability to score the basketball. The Billikens averaged over 80 points per game in each of Ford's five seasons at the helm.

Ford's challenge at Indiana State

Ford will face a challenge in turning around the Indiana State program. The Sycamores have not had a winning season since 2010-11 and have not been to the NCAA Tournament since 2001.

Ford will need to bring in some talent and develop the players he has in order to make the Sycamores competitive in the Missouri Valley Conference.

Ford's prior head coaching experience

Before coming to Saint Louis, Ford was the head coach at Oklahoma State for eight seasons. He led the Cowboys to four NCAA Tournament appearances, including a Final Four berth in 2004.

Ford also spent two seasons as an assistant coach at Kentucky under Tubby Smith.

Ford's contract at Indiana State

The terms of Ford's contract at Indiana State have not been released. However, it is believed that he will receive a salary of around $500,000 per year.

Ford is expected to be introduced as the new head coach of the Indiana State Sycamores at a press conference on Monday.