William Woods University announced Tuesday that head basketball coach Nick Totta - who had an 83-110 overall record in six full seasons with the Owls - has assumed another role within the athletic department.
WWU athletic director Jason Vittone also announced Tuesday that interim head coach James Hays - who took over four games into the 2016-17 season - has been named to replace Totta.
Hays - in his third year at William Woods - directed the Owls to a 22-11 record and an appearance in the American Midwest Conference postseason tournament championship. He served as a graduate assistant for two years under Totta after spending a season as an assistant coach at Fort Scott (Kansas) Community College.
"I'd like to thank Coach Totta for bringing me to William Woods, and the university for appointing me to this position," said Hays, a 2012 Westminster College graduate. "I've learned a great deal in my time here and am looking forward to continuing with the Owls."