Bob Stinnett hired as new head men’s basketball coach

Bob Stinnett was hired as head coach of the University of West Florida Men’s Basketball Team. His appointment was announced by UWF President Judy Bense and Athletic Director Dave Scott at a press conference held at the Argonaut Athletic Club Monday. Stinnett, a UWF Athletics Hall of Fame inductee and team captain of the first basketball team at the university, comes into the position with a wealth of coaching knowledge and experience in the region.

“It is not often that you have the opportunity to honor one of your own,” said Scott. “We are very happy to introduce former Argonaut and UWF Hall of Famer Bob Stinnett as new men’s basketball head coach. We expect to continue with our athletic success across all sports, with Bob becoming the newest member of the Argonaut team.”

Stinnett’s coaching career has included stops at the high school, junior college and university levels, with his most recent job at Pensacola High School. In his two years at PHS, the Tigers went 54-15, including a district and regional championship in 2008-2009 and a trip to the state final four.

“I can tell you we’re going to come after you hard,” explained Stinnett, describing the UWF 2009-2010 team. “We have a lot of speed, but we lost eight seniors. We were 13-12 last season, so it’s a rebuilding season. But we’re going to play hard, play smart and we’re going to play 94 feet of basketball, end line to end line.”

At the conclusion of the press conference, lead donor Joe Ambersley presented checks totaling $51,000 to UWF Athletics, all since the hire of Stinnett as head coach.

“Without the connection of the people in this community, this university ceases to exist,” Stinnett explained. “The university needs the support of the Northwest Florida community. There are 13 sports here that are very good. Today is my opportunity to get the community involved in all of those sports.”

Between coaching jobs, Stinnett has also successfully owned and operated several restaurants in the Gulf Coast region, including three Sonny’s BBQ franchises.

Stinnett was one of four final candidates selected by the search committee, including Jim Boone of Tusculum College (Tenn.), Robert “Happy” Osborne of Georgetown College (Ky.) and Greg Zimmerman of Alderson-Broaddus College (W.V.). The four finalists were chosen from an initial group of 145 applicants.

“Athletics are relevant, and I care about this community,” said Bense. “Bob Stinnett is a prize, and we are in great hands. This choice is not just about basketball. He is the perfect pick.”

For information on all UWF Athletics, visit GoArgos.com.

Written by Matt Rowley, Intercollegiate Athletics