John Gallagher is set to embark on his second season as the head coach of the Manhattan College men’s basketball program in 2024-25, marking a significant chapter in his extensive collegiate coaching career. Announced as the 24th head coach in the program’s history on March 29, 2023, Gallagher brings with him over two decades of experience at the Division I level. His appointment signaled a new direction for the Jaspers, with Gallagher’s proven track record of program building and defensive acumen generating considerable excitement among fans and within the athletic department.
From Hartford Hawks to Manhattan Jaspers: Gallagher’s Head Coaching Journey
Before taking the reins at Manhattan, John Gallagher dedicated twelve seasons to transforming the University of Hartford men’s basketball program. As head coach of the Hawks until 2022, he steered the team through its final years in Division I, achieving unprecedented success. His tenure culminated in a historic 2020-21 season where Gallagher led Hartford to an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament – a program first. This remarkable achievement followed their America East Championship victory over UMass Lowell, earning them a coveted spot in the national spotlight against eventual champions, Baylor. That season also saw Hartford achieve its highest winning percentage (.625), winning 15 out of 24 games under Gallagher’s guidance.
Gallagher’s impact at Hartford extended beyond this single season of glory. He consistently positioned the Hawks as a competitive force in the America East Conference, securing four consecutive top-four finishes and back-to-back championship game appearances in 2019-20 and 2020-21. While the 2020 championship game was unfortunately canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Hartford’s consistent performance underscored Gallagher’s ability to build a winning program. Notably, in the 2017-18 season, he orchestrated a remarkable turnaround, leading the Hawks to a program-record 19 wins and a CIT berth, a significant leap from the previous season’s 9-23 record. This rapid improvement highlighted Gallagher’s talent for quickly instilling a winning culture and maximizing his team’s potential.
Defensive Prowess and Program Building Expertise
Throughout his coaching career, John Gallagher has consistently demonstrated an ability to develop teams that are defensively resilient and exceed expectations. Even with young rosters, Gallagher has guided programs to postseason contention. In the 2012-13 season, coaching one of the youngest teams in the nation, he led Hartford to their first-ever postseason appearance in the CIT, earning him the CollegeInsider.com America Coach of the Year award.
Gallagher’s teams are known for their defensive intensity. In the 2020-21 season, Hartford ranked among the nation’s best in scoring defense (31st at 63.9 points per game) and three-point defense (10th at 29 percent). The previous year, they were even more dominant in defending the three-point line, holding opponents to a mere 27.5 percent, ranking second nationally. Going back to the 2012-13 season, Gallagher’s defensive principles were evident, as Hartford set a program record by limiting opponents to just 61.2 points per game. That season, the Hawks also led the America East in steals (8.2) and forced turnovers (16), showcasing Gallagher’s emphasis on an active and disruptive defensive style.
A Career Rooted in Basketball
John Gallagher’s coaching journey began at La Salle University in 1999, where he served as part of the Explorers’ coaching staff under both Speedy Morris and Billy Hahn. He then spent three seasons at Lafayette College under Fran O’Hanlon, further honing his coaching skills. Prior to his head coaching role at Hartford, Gallagher also gained experience as an assistant coach at the University of Pennsylvania from 2008-2010, working with Glen Miller, and previously at Hartford as associate head coach from 2006-2008.
Gallagher’s deep connection to basketball extends to his playing days. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Saint Joseph’s University in 1999 and played for the Hawks under legendary coach Phil Martelli from 1996-1999. He was part of the successful 1996-97 Saint Joseph’s team that reached the Sweet 16 in the NCAA Tournament, providing him with firsthand experience of high-level college basketball success.
Originally from Broomall, Pennsylvania, John Gallagher is now residing in Bronxville with his wife and four children. Coming from a basketball-oriented family – with sisters who also played college basketball – Gallagher’s life and career are deeply intertwined with the sport. As he enters his second season at Manhattan, there is considerable anticipation for how John Gallagher will continue to build upon his foundation and lead the Jaspers to new heights in the competitive landscape of college basketball.
