Mizzou hires co-head men’s golf coach

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Mark Hankins will be the co-head coach of the Mizzou men's golf team. MU announced its latest hire on Wednesday.

Hankins will coach alongside current head coach Mark Leroux for the next few years. He will officially take over in 2023. In a release, Leroux said that's when he plans to retire. It will be his 20th season as head coach.

"When Coach Leroux brought this idea (of co-head coaches) to my staff back in January, we were intrigued, and then after sitting down with Coach Hankins as he shared his vision for our program, we collectively believed that this move will position Mizzou Men’s Golf for great success in future seasons," athletic director Jim Sterk said in a statement."

Hankins has 19 years of experience as a collegiate golf coach. He's led Nebraska, Iowa, Michigan State and Texas-Arlington to a combined 13 NCAA Regional appearances. Hankins has made it to the NCAA Championship Finals three times.

"It is a great opportunity to work with Coach and continue to build on his foundation of success," Hankins said in a statement. "I also want to thank Athletic Director Jim Sterk and Deputy Athletic Director Nick Joos for their commitment to the golf program and its future.”