It didn't take long for Missouri to hire a new assistant basketball coach.
The Tigers announced the hiring of former Drake head coach Mark Phelps as the team's new assistant coach. Phelps replaces Rick Carter, who left last week to take a job at Xavier.
"I've known Mark for a number of years and have always admired his approach to the game of basketball," Missouri coach Frank Haith said in a release. "He is tireless with his preparation and gets the most out of his players because he is there putting in the work with them. When we had this opening become available Mark was my first call and it speaks well of Mizzou that we were able to recruit him away from some other great programs."
The Bulldogs were just 77-86 in Phelps' five seasons at Drake, finishing seventh or lower in the Missouri Valley in four of his five seasons. Drake reached the College Insider Tournament in 2009 and 2012. Phelps was fired after last season.
He has been an assistant N.C. State (1996-2006) and Arizona State (2006-08). During his time at N.C. State, the Wolfpack reached the NCAA Tournament five straight seasons.
"It goes without saying, but I have a great deal of respect for Coach Haith and how he runs his program," Phelps said. "He has distinguished himself as one of the elite coaches throughout his climb in our profession. We saw the fantastic job he did at Miami when we were at N.C. State and he has brought that same winning pedigree here to Mizzou."