SIU elevates former QU coach Steve Hawkins to associate head coach of the Salukis

CARBONDALE, Ill. — Southern Illinois University men’s basketball coach Scott Nagy announced Monday that Steve Hawkins has been promoted to associate head coach.

“Promoting Coach Hawkins was definitely the right decision for us,” Nagy said in a news release. “Like our players, I rely heavily on Coach Hawkins in all situations. His coaching experience and work ethic make this an obvious choice for us.”

In addition to his regular coaching responsibilities, Hawkins serves as the program’s defensive coordinator on game days and will now manage the Salukis’ NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) efforts.

“I want to thank Coach Nagy and Athletic Director Tim Leonard for their trust in me as we work toward our goal of establishing SIU as the premier program in the Missouri Valley Conference,” Hawkins said.

Hawkins made an immediate impact during his first season with the program. After assuming the role of defensive coordinator in early January, the Saluki defense showed significant improvements in protecting the rim and the paint.

Initially, SIU ranked last nationally in paint defense after the first five MVC games. However, by the end of league play, the Salukis improved to 82nd nationally for opponent field goal percentage at the rim.

Moreover, the team’s paint defense saw an even more dramatic improvement, rising from 364th nationally — where opponents shot 58.9 percent — to 20th nationally, as opponents finished the season shooting only 34.8 percent.

“We are fortunate to have Coach Hawkins on our basketball staff, and this promotion is well deserved. He has been a vital part of our program over the past year, and his experience coaching at this level is unparalleled,” Leonard said. “Coach Hawkins understands what it takes to succeed in the era of NIL, and I am excited for him and the future of Saluki basketball.”

Hawkins has nearly four decades of coaching experience, including 28 years as a head coach. His most recent position was at Quincy University, following almost two decades at Western Michigan.

Hawkins recorded 291 victories and led Western Michigan to two NCAA Tournament appearances in 17 seasons with the school. He ranks fourth in Mid-American Conference history in career wins.

Under Hawkins’ leadership, the Broncos never finished worse than third in the Mid-American Conference West Division, earning eight MAC West titles. He guided Western Michigan to two MAC regular-season and tournament championships and was named MAC Coach of the Year in 2014.

Hawkins also had two separate stints as head coach at Quincy University, where he compiled a record of 162-143. He led the Hawks to three NCAA Division II tournament appearances during a nine-season stint from 1991-2000. He returned in 2022 and was at the helm for two seasons, going 25-32 before leaving for SIU.