Ed Cooley was born on October 9, 1969, in Providence, Rhode Island. Growing up in his hometown, basketball was always a big part of his life. He was drawn to the sport from a young age and it became clear early on that he had a natural talent for coaching.
Cooley began his coaching career as an assistant at UMass-Dartmouth in 1994. He then went on to hold assistant coaching positions at three other schools before finally landing the head coaching role at Fairfield University. The recognition he earned in his final season at Fairfield as head coach, being named Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Coach of the Year, set the stage for his future success.
After his time at Fairfield, Cooley made the move to Providence College where he took over as head coach. This was a significant step in his career and allowed him to showcase his coaching abilities on a bigger stage.
One of Cooley's standout achievements was leading Providence to a victory in the Big East Tournament Championship and securing an appearance in the NCAA Tournament during the 2013-2014 season. This success further solidified his reputation as a skilled and strategic coach.
Cooley's passion for basketball extends beyond the court, as he coached his hometown team in Providence. This connection to his roots adds a personal touch to his coaching career and highlights his dedication to his community.
One of Cooley's memorable moments came when he faced off against University of North Carolina head coach Roy Williams in the 2013-2014 NCAA Tournament second round. Despite losing the game by a narrow margin, the matchup showcased Cooley's ability to compete at a high level.
Throughout his career, Ed Cooley has made a lasting impact on the world of college basketball. His success as a coach, combined with his dedication to his players and community, has solidified his place as a respected figure in the sport. As he continues to lead his teams to victory, Cooley's influence will undoubtedly be felt for years to come.