UCF Introduces Johnny Dawkins as New Men’s Basketball Coach

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Johnny Dawkins says becoming UCF men's basketball coach is a chance for him to do "something special."

UCF formally introduced Dawkins as the program's seventh coach during a news conference Thursday at the CFE Arena on campus. The school had announced Dawkins' hire on Wednesday.

Dawkins, 52, comes to UCF following an eight-year stint as the head coach of the Stanford Cardinal. The former Duke All-American and national player of the year was fired last week following a 15-15 overall, 8-12 Pac-12 season.

Dawkins replaces Donnie Jones, who was fired on March 10, on the heel of a first-round exit from the American Athletic Conference Tournament.

UCF first-year athletic director Danny White conducted a national search for Jones' replacement but acknowledges Dawkins became a favorite once he was available.