Keckler Steps Down as Head Men’s Basketball Coach; Mayes to Serve as Interim Head Coach for 2025-26 Season
BETHLEHEM, Pa. --- Moravian University Head Men’s Basketball Coach Darryl Keckler has stepped down from his position to become Associate Athletic Director - Development at Middle Tennessee State University. The Greyhounds have named full-time assistant coach Michael Mayes as interim head coach for the 2025-26 season.
BETHLEHEM, Pa. --- Moravian University Head Men's Basketball Coach Darryl Keckler has stepped down from his position to become Associate Athletic Director - Development at Middle Tennessee State University. The Greyhounds have named full-time assistant coach Michael Mayes as interim head coach for the 2025-26 season.
"We are grateful for all that Darryl has accomplished these past three years here at Moravian," commented Director of Athletics & Recreation Mary Beth Spirk. "His success as a basketball coach is clear to see as he has placed our men's team on the verge of a Landmark Championship. His presence in our department will be missed tremendously as well. He served as a role model to our younger coaches and as a voice of reason and maturity within our department as a whole. Our loss will be MSTU's gain. We wish him and his family nothing but the best.
"With his departure, we are also fortunate to have Mike Mayes step in as our Interim Coach," continued Spirk. "The transition should be seamless, and we are excited to have such a passionate, experienced person ready to continue the upward path Darryl has created."
Keckler joined the Moravian staff in May 2022 and has guided the Greyhounds to a 33-43 record and a return to the Landmark Conference Tournament in 2025 with a first-round appearance. Keckler coached four Landmark All-Conference selections during his tenure including three-time honoree and 2023 Landmark Conference Rookie of the Year Marquis Ratcliff, who was also a D3hoops.com All-Region honoree in 2025.
"I would like to thank President Grigsby, Dr. Loyd, Mary Beth Spirk and the entire Moravian community for the last three years," Keckler said. "Moravian is a special place, and I will always appreciate my time here. Leaving the young men in the Men's Basketball program is an extremely tough decision but I am very proud of where the program is, and I am excited about where Coach Mayes will take it."
Mayes came to Moravian with Keckler in 2022 after assisting Keckler during his final year at Drew in 2021-22. Mayes played for Keckler for three seasons before graduating in 2011 with a degree in sociology. Prior to joining Keckler at Moravian and Drew, Mayes was the head coach at Sinai Christian Academy in New Jersey for three seasons while also serving stints as an assistant coach at St. Mary's High School and Elizabeth High School in New Jersey.
"I am honored to be named the Interim Head Coach of Moravian University's Men's Basketball program," stated Mayes. "I want to thank Darryl Keckler, our immediate past head coach for his mentorship and guidance. I am grateful for this opportunity afforded to me and look forward to building upon the foundation we have laid, while continuing to push our program to greater heights."
The Greyhounds will begin the 2025-26 season on Saturday, November 8 with a non-conference game at rival Muhlenberg College tipping off at 1:00 p.m. at Memorial Hall in Allentown.
