A new era of Eastern Michigan University (EMU) men's basketball is set to begin for the 2026-27 season with the announcement of a high-caliber coaching staff led by Billy Donlon. This staff, described as a "home run hire," brings a blend of veteran leadership, deep Michigan recruiting ties, and alumni pride to Ypsilanti.
Marty McGillan: The veteran wingman
Joining the staff as Associate Head Coach is Martin McGillan, a veteran with over 30 years of collegiate coaching experience. McGillan and Donlon share a deep professional history, having coached together for five seasons at UNC Wilmington and Wright State between 2002 and 2007. During that span, they won six championships and made three NCAA tournament appearances.
McGillan has been part of over 500 wins as an assistant coach throughout his career. Most recently, he spent eight seasons at Longwood University, where he was instrumental in leading the Lancers to two NCAA tournaments in the last five years. Donlon has praised McGillan as "one of the best coaches in the country," citing his proven track record in player development and his ability to establish winning cultures as vital assets for the Eagles' new chapter.
John Bowler: The EMU legend returns
Perhaps no hire resonates more with the Ypsilanti community than John Bowler, who returns to his alma mater as an assistant coach. Bowler is an Eastern Michigan legend, a former team captain who was inducted into the E-Club Athletic Hall of Fame in 2025. Donlon noted that Bowler has "Eastern Michigan in his DNA".
Beyond his playing legacy, Bowler is a proven winner on the sidelines. He arrives after serving as the head coach at Parkland College, where he compiled a staggering 109-29 record and led the program to the 2026 NJCAA Division II National Championship. His coaching journey also includes stints at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and Des Moines Area Community College, where he consistently produced top-ranked recruiting classes and postseason contenders.
Vince Fritz: The tireless teacher
Vince Fritz joins the staff as an assistant coach, bringing a wealth of experience across the high school, junior college, and Division I levels. Fritz has a previous working relationship with Donlon, having served as his Director of Basketball Operations and later an assistant coach at the University of Missouri-Kansas City in 2021.
Fritz most recently coached at the University of South Carolina-Upstate, contributing to a seven-win improvement for the program. Donlon describes Fritz as a "tireless worker" and an "excellent teacher of the game" with a unique ability to evaluate both character and talent. His administrative background at Southern Illinois University and the University of Nebraska adds another layer of organizational expertise to the Eagles' bench.
Hassan Nizam: The Michigan connection
Hassan Nizam arrives in Ypsilanti with over a decade of deep-seated coaching experience within the state of Michigan. He spent the 2023-25 seasons at Central Michigan University, where he helped the Chippewas achieve their first winning season since 2019 and a top-three defense in the MAC.
Nizam's head coaching pedigree includes a highly successful run at Macomb Community College, where he led the Monarchs to an NJCAA National Runner-Up finish in 2023. He also has extensive experience in the Metro Detroit high school circuit, winning four district championships at Roseville High School. Donlon highlighted Nizam’s "effervescent personality" and his significant relationships with coaches across Michigan as vital assets for the program’s recruiting efforts.
Carlos McMath: The institutional knowledge
Rounding out the staff is Carlos McMath, who remains with the program after serving as an assistant coach and Director of Operations for the previous two seasons. A native of Saginaw, McMath provides critical institutional knowledge and continuity for the transition.
McMath has a diverse background, including head coaching experience at Delta College, where he led the team to a national Final Four in 2018, and Schoolcraft Community College. Interestingly, McMath also holds a Juris Doctorate from the Michigan State University College of Law, showcasing the high level of intellectual rigor he brings to the staff.
A new chapter for EMU basketball
The 2026-27 season represents a total reset for the program. The staff's collective experience covers every level of basketball, from the NJCAA to the ACC. Fans can expect a team that reflects the "grinder" mentality of its coaches—tough, defensive-minded, and relentless. As Greg Kampe warned, EMU will no longer be an easy out; they are building a team that will "compete their butts off".
