Seattle officially names Jim Hayford head coach

After rumors of the imminent hire broke earlier in the week, Seattle officially named Eastern Washington's Jim Hayford as the program's new coach on Wednesday afternoon.

"It is a great honor to be asked to serve as the Head Basketball Coach at this great Jesuit Catholic institution," Hayford said in a statement. "I humbly move into this position with a desire to lead a championship program that graduates outstanding leaders. The history of the basketball program here is rich and unique."

The 49-year-old was with Eastern Washington for six seasons, posting a 106-91 record in that time while leading the program to the NCAA tournament in 2015.

"I am thrilled to welcome Coach Hayford and his family to Seattle University," athletic director Shaney Fink said. "Coach Hayford has a history of success in developing programs that compete on the national level. He is a proven winner, a committed educator, and a passionate leader, and we are excited for him to bring that blueprint of success here to Seattle U."

He certainly faces a large task in rebuilding the Seattle program, as the Redhawks haven't made the NCAA tournament in 47 years, the fifth-longest drought in the country.