Baker Dunleavy Steps Down At Quinnipiac; Tom Pecora Assumes Head Coach Role

Baker Dunleavy has resigned as the head coach at Quinnipiac and will be replaced by his associate head coach Tom Pecora.

Dunleavy, who went 86-93 in six seasons with no NCAA Tournament appearances, is expected to take on a fundraising role at Villanova.

“After a period of post-season reflection, I have decided to step down from my position as Head Men’s Basketball Coach,” said Dunleavy in a statement. “Chrissi, our four girls, and I would like to thank the Quinnipiac community, especially the amazing staff and players that have worked so tirelessly these past six seasons. We feel it is time for us to take a step out of coaching into a new exciting opportunity for our family. The University and the State of Connecticut will always hold a special place in our hearts and a part of us will always be Bobcats.”

Dunleavy, 40, came to Quinnipiac in 2017, following eight seasons as an assistant at Villanova University from which he graduated as a student-athlete in 2006.

“On behalf of the Quinnipiac community, I want to thank Baker for his years of service to our institution, our Department of Athletics, and most importantly, to the incredible young men in our basketball program,” said Director of Athletics Greg Amodio. “We wish Baker, Chrissi, and their children the very best as they continue in their journey.”

The school opted not to have a search and to consider Quinnipiac graduate and Bryant coach Jared Grasso or UConn assistants Kimani Young or Luke Murray.

Pecora, 65, joined Quinnipiac basketball as an assistant coach in 2017, having served previously as head basketball coach at Hofstra University and Fordham University.