BOSTON – Head Coach Chris Casey has been recognized among 20 finalists for the 2023-24 Hugh Durham National Coach of the Year. The award is presented annually to the top mid-major head coach in college basketball.
 
Casey, who was appointed interim head coach of the Stags prior to the 2023-24 season and named Head Coach seven days ago, has guided Fairfield to a 22-12 record – its first 20-win season since 2011-12. Additionally, the Stags' 14-6 conference mark and second place finish were the program's best since 2010-11.
 
Fairfield won a pair of games in Atlantic City last week to reach the MAAC Championship Game. The Stags will continue the 2023-24 campaign this weekend after accepting a bid to the Ro College Basketball invitational. Fairfield opens the 15-team tournament on Sunday, March 24 in Daytona Beach, Fla. against Little Rock.
 
The recipient of the Hugh Durham National Coach of the Year Award is determined by a 10-member voting committee, which consists of current and former head coaches as well as two senior staff members of collegeinsider.com.
 
The 2024 award will be announced in Phoenix, Ariz., site of the men's NCAA Division I Basketball Championship.