LIU tabs Jack Perri to replace Jim Ferry

LIU didn’t waste any time in naming a new head coach.

Associate head coach Jack Perri was promoted to head coach, succeeding Jim Ferry, who took the same position at Duquesne.

Will it be a seamless transition? It should be. Perri spent seven years on Ferry’s staff, including the last five as associated head coach. Perri has been instrumental in LIU’s recruiting efforts, which has led the school to back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances.

With Perri’s intimate knowledge of the program and its surroundings, the Blackbirds shouldn’t miss a beat.

“I am truly thrilled to be named the next head men’s basketball coach at LIU Brooklyn,” Perri said. “I am honored that both Mr. Suarez and Provost Gale Stevens Haynes have given me this tremendous opportunity to build upon what we, as a team, have already accomplished.”

There’s no doubt Perri, 36, is ready to get started.

“Over the past seven years, I have grown to love the LIU community,” said the Manalapan, N.J., native. “I cannot put into words just how strongly I feel about this university and how proud I am to lead this team of talented student-athletes.” The tradition of LIU Brooklyn basketball speaks for itself and I will work tirelessly to ensure that our program is of the highest caliber on the court, in the classroom and in the community.”

LIU went 25-9 this season and captured its second straight NEC tournament title. The Blackbirds fell to Michigan State in its opening-round game in the NCAA Tournament.

Perri, 36, has spent seven seasons on the LIU staff, including the last five as associate head coach. He was promoted to that position in August 2007 and has played a vital role in recruiting, scouting and developing players on LIU’s back-to-back Northeast Conference champion rosters.

“We are very fortunate to have someone on staff with such tremendous experience and success throughout his career,” Suarez said. “I have complete faith that Jack will continue to bring the Blackbirds to new heights.”

This won’t be Perri’s first go around has a head coach. Before joining Ferry’s staff Perri served as the head men’s basketball coach at Division III Rhode Island College in 2004-05. Perri led the school to a 20-9 mark, a share of the Little East Conference title and to the Eastern College Athletic Conference Tournament.

He was named the league’s coach of the year in his only season as head coach there.