Dan Nichols, coming off a successful seven-year run at South Mountain Community College, is the new men's basketball coach at Grand Canyon University.

The hiring of Nichols, who spent the past seven seasons at South Mountain, was announced by Grand Canyon athletic director Keith Baker.

Nichols had a 127-89 record at South Mountain, and his team won two region titles. His 2007-08 team was ranked No. 5 in the National Junior College Athletic Association Division II polls before finishing seventh at the national tournament.

“We thank Coach Nichols for all the hard work and success he brought to Cougar basketball and wish him all the best at Grand Canyon. The search for Coach Nichols replacement has begun and a new coach should be announced by August 1st” said SMCC Director of Athletics Chris Haines.