Memorial Athletics announced today the departure of men's basketball coach Ian Coultas. After 6 years leading the Sea-Hawks, Coultas has made the decision to purse a new career chapter.
Memorial Athletics extends sincere gratitude to Coultas for 11 years of service and commitment to Memorial University and Sea-Hawks Athletics. After joining the department in 2015 as Marketing & Communications Advisor, he became involved with the men's basketball program during the 2016–17 season as an assistant coach. He was named Interim Head Coach during the 2020–21 season before officially being appointed Head Coach ahead of the 2021–22 season.
During his time leading the program, Coultas left a significant mark on Memorial men's basketball, guiding the Sea-Hawks to sustained success both on and off the court. He became the first head coach in program history to qualify for the AUS playoffs in each season at the helm. Under his leadership, the Sea-Hawks advanced to the AUS semifinals on two occasions. Beyond competitive success, Coultas placed a strong emphasis on academic achievement and student-athlete development and under his guidance, the program produced several academic all Canadians. .
Reflecting on his time with the program, Coultas said "It's been a great journey for me with Varsity Athletics and specifically with the Men's Basketball program. This is an incredibly difficult decision, but with a growing family and an opportunity to pursue another career path that I am passionate about, I felt the timing was right. I am grateful for the meaningful relationships I have built throughout my time with the program, and will miss many aspects of coaching the team. I know the next coach will inherit a strong foundation and be in a great position for success, and I look forward to cheering on the Sea-Hawks from the stands."
A search for the next Head Coach of the Memorial Sea-Hawks Men's Basketball program will begin immediately.