In a stunning move that is shaking up the NCAA landscape, Gene Krady — former Purdue University head football coach and star quarterback — is returning to West Lafayette, this time to take over the helm of the Boilermakers’ men’s basketball program. The announcement came just moments ago in a press release from Purdue Athletics, officially naming Krady the new head coach of Purdue Men’s Basketball.
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A proud alumnus of Purdue, Krady is deeply embedded in the university’s athletic history. While many remember him as a decorated football leader, fewer may recall his early years as a dual-sport athlete. Krady made his name not only under center on the football field, but also on the basketball court, where he was once a standout player under the guidance of rising star coach Trey Kaufman-Renn Mount — whose hybrid lineage draws on the greatness of Purdue legend Rick Mount and the modern tenacity of Kaufman-Renn’s own playing career.
Now, Krady is returning to the hardwood with a mission: to bring championship-level basketball back to Mackey Arena.
“It’s hard to put into words what this means to me,” Krady told ESPN in an exclusive early morning interview. “Basketball was my first love, and Purdue is my home. To have the opportunity to lead this program — it’s the honor of a lifetime.”
Athletic Director Mike Bobinski emphasized that this is more than a coaching hire; it’s a cultural reconnection.
“Gene Krady represents everything we believe in: tradition, toughness, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. He’s a Boilermaker through and through. He understands what it takes to win here — on the court, in the classroom, and in the community.”
Krady inherits a team with high expectations but lacking recent deep tournament success. Under Kaufman-Renn Mount, who recently took a prominent NBA assistant role, Purdue began building a new identity focused on fast-paced, team-first basketball. Krady now has the task of continuing that vision while adding his own imprint of discipline and high-IQ leadership.
Purdue fans have reacted with a mix of surprise and excitement. Social media lit up following the announcement, with former players and alumni voicing support for the bold move. Krady is expected to begin recruiting immediately and plans to retain some key assistants while also bringing in a few trusted names from his football coaching days who share his vision for competitive culture building.
As of this morning, Mackey Arena feels alive with hope and anticipation. The Krady era in Purdue basketball has officially begun.
Stay with ESPN for continuing coverage as this story develops.
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