Ray Harper

Coach

Ray Harper is an accomplished American college basketball coach with a successful career spanning over 20 seasons. Currently serving as the head coach for Jacksonville State University, Harper has a proven track record of coaching excellence. Since taking over at Jacksonville State, Harper has become the program’s winningest Division I coach, leading the team to four of its five 20-win seasons since transitioning to Division I in 1995.

One of Harper’s notable achievements is leading Kentucky Wesleyan College to two national titles in 1999 and 2001. He has been named the Division II National Coach of the Year seven times, showcasing his exceptional coaching abilities. Harper’s success continued at Western Kentucky University, where he was appointed as interim head coach in 2012 and later became the permanent head coach. After resigning in 2016, he was subsequently hired at Jacksonville State, where he has continued to excel. Harper’s coaching prowess was evident in the 2021-22 season when he guided Jacksonville State through its transition into the ASUN Conference, leading the team to its first Division I regular-season conference title with a 13-3 record in the team’s debut season in the league. He was named the ASUN Coach of the Year for his efforts, further solidifying his reputation as an outstanding coach. Harper has consistently produced winning teams and has taken Jacksonville State to three national postseason tournaments, including the school’s first two trips to the NCAA Tournament in 2017 and 2022.

Harper’s ability to adapt to changing circumstances and guide his team to success speaks to his coaching expertise and leadership skills. With a career marked by numerous accolades, impressive win-loss records, and remarkable achievements, Harper has established himself as one of the most successful and respected college basketball coaches in the United States. Known for his enthusiasm and charisma on and off the court, Harper will undoubtedly continue to be one of the most respected coaches in the game.