HAMMOND, La. – Southeastern Louisiana University head men's basketball coach Jay Ladner has resigned, SLU Director of Athletics Jay Artigues announced on Thursday. 

Ladner, who just completed his fifth season at the helm of the Lion program, has stepped down to accept the same position at Southern Mississippi.
 
Ladner, a Hattiesburg, Mississippi native and a 1988 USM graduate, returns to his alma mater after posting a 76-88 record during his time in Hammond. In the past two seasons, Ladner's Lions have finished 39-28 overall and 27-9 in Southland Conference play.
 
Ladner led the 2017-18 SLU squad to the Southland Conference regular season championship and the program's first-ever NIT appearance. Five players earned All-Southland honors during Ladner's tenure, including 2018-19 first team all-conference performers Marlain Veal and Moses Greenwood.
 
"We would like to thank Jay Ladner for the positive effect he's had on all aspects of our men's basketball program," Artigues said. "He's left our program in a much better situation than when he took over and we wish him and his family the best at Southern Miss."
 
Associate head coach David Kiefer, who has been on Ladner's staff for the past four seasons, will serve as interim head coach. The St. Petersburg, Florida native's responsibilities under Ladner including working with the SLU backcourt and leading recruiting efforts.
 
"We're excited to have Coach Kiefer remain on staff to oversee our program," Artigues commented. "He's been a vital part of our success, having recruited the majority of our current student-athletes. Coach Kiefer will continue our men's basketball program's commitment to excellence in the classroom, in the community and in competition."
 
SOCIAL MEDIA
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CLEAR BAG POLICY
Southeastern Athletics has instituted a clear bag policy for all ticketed events, effective with the start of football season. For more information on the clear bag policy, visit www.LionSports.net/clear.