Travis Ford, a proven winner with a national reputation for building and elevating programs, was named head men’s basketball coach at Little Rock in March 2026.
Ford arrives in Little Rock with nearly three decades of head coaching experience and a track record defined by sustained success, postseason appearances, and player development at the highest levels of Division I basketball. A seven-time NCAA Tournament coach, Ford has consistently taken programs to new heights — and now brings that same vision, energy, and leadership to the Trojan program.
At Saint Louis, Ford spent eight seasons restoring the Billikens as a contender, highlighted by the 2019 Atlantic 10 Championship and an NCAA Tournament appearance. His teams were defined by toughness, discipline, and the ability to compete with — and defeat — top-level competition.
Ford’s tenure at Oklahoma State further cemented his reputation as one of the nation’s premier program builders. Over eight seasons, the Cowboys reached the NCAA Tournament five times and recorded multiple wins over No. 1-ranked teams, including Kansas. His ability to recruit, develop, and compete at the highest level produced nationally respected teams and elite talent.
He also engineered one of the nation’s top turnarounds at Massachusetts, leading the Minutemen to the 2008 NIT Championship Game, and guided Eastern Kentucky to an Ohio Valley Conference Tournament title and NCAA Tournament appearance in 2005.
Ford began his head coaching career at Campbellsville (Ky.), where he quickly established a winning culture that set the foundation for a career defined by success.
As a player, Ford was a standout at Kentucky, earning All-SEC honors twice and helping lead the Wildcats to the 1993 Final Four. He was named the Southeast Regional Most Outstanding Player during that run.
Known for his ability to build culture, develop talent, and win at every stop, Ford brings a championship mindset to Little Rock as the Trojans enter a new era.
Coaching Experience
- 2026–Present – Little Rock (Head Coach)
- 2016–24 – Saint Louis (Head Coach)
- 2008–16 – Oklahoma State (Head Coach)
- 2005–08 – Massachusetts (Head Coach)
- 2000–05 – Eastern Kentucky (Head Coach)
- 1996–2000 – Campbellsville (Head Coach)
Notable Achievements
- Seven NCAA Tournament appearances as a head coach
- Nearly 500 career victories
- Led Saint Louis to the 2019 Atlantic 10 Championship and NCAA Tournament
- Guided Oklahoma State to five NCAA Tournament appearances
- Recorded 20+ wins over nationally ranked opponents, including multiple victories over No. 1 teams
- Led Massachusetts to the 2008 NIT Championship Game
- Won the 2005 Ohio Valley Conference Tournament at Eastern Kentucky
- Coached multiple McDonald’s All-Americans and NBA-level talent
- Two-time All-SEC selection as a player at Kentucky
- 1993 NCAA Tournament Southeast Regional Most Outstanding Player
