ORLANDO, Fla. — Two weeks after the firing of University of Central Florida men's basketball head coach Donnie Jones, the Knights introduced Johnny Dawkins Thursday as their new coach.
Channel 9 learned the hiring of Dawkins is part of Athletic Director Danny White's plan to take the UCF brand to new heights.
"This is a meaningful opportunity to build and grow a program that we can be proud of. I am honored to represent UCF, the community and the state of Florida," Dawkins said.
Since White arrived in November, he's fired both the men's and women's basketball coaches and hired Scott Frost as the new football coach.
Dawkins, 52, comes to UCF after spending the last eight years as the head coach at Stanford University and as an assistant coach at Duke University prior to that. Dawkins led the Cardinal to five postseason appearances, including one in the Sweet Sixteen.
Dawkins was drafted 10th overall out of Duke by the San Antonio Spurs in the 1986 NBA Draft and spent nine seasons in the NBA with three different teams.
Dawkins' contract is worth $1.1 million over six years, including a provision to renegotiate if the Knights were to switch conferences.
UCF moved from Conference USA to the American Athletic Conference three years ago, but many believe UCF to be a top target for the Big 12.
White said he's begun his search for the new women's basketball head coach, but has yet to interview any candidates.