New Rochelle, N.Y. - The MAAC and Iona College are deeply saddened with the passing of former commissioner, athletic director and long-time basketball head coach Jim McDermott at the age of 99.
McDermott was named the first commissioner of the MAAC when the league founded in 1980 by six charter members: the U.S. Military Academy, Fairfield University, Fordham University, Iona College, Manhattan College and Saint Peter’s College. Under McDermott’s direction, competition began one year later in the fall of 1981 with members competing in the sports of men’s cross country and men’s soccer. On January 2, 1982, Army traveled to Iona for the first MAAC men’s basketball game.
"Jim McDermott was a force behind the founding of the MAAC and remained a close colleague to me and others in the MAAC these past 29 years," notes current MAAC Commissioner Rich Ensor. "He attended many league games and events up until a few years ago, and was always welcomed because of his experience and good humor. I was privileged to watch him coach while an undergrad manager at Saint Peter's College, work with him as an athletic administrator and having him as a colleague and mentor when I became commissioner. He will be missed and the entire MAAC mourns his passing."
McDermott was an integral part of the Iona College Athletic Department for over 34 years. He was the oldest living NCAA Division I head coach.
"Jim McDermott was a legend in New York metropolitan basketball circles and certainly Iona College," said Iona College Vice President for Advancement and External Affairs Dr. Rich Petriccione. "A pioneer as a high school coach, a terrific college basketball and baseball coach and administrator ? he was a friend to all."
"Coach McDermott will certainly be missed," added Director of Athletics Patrick Lyons. "He was unquestionably an Iona legend and a man who truly laid the foundation for what Iona Athletics and the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference are today."
McDermott was one of the most respected basketball coaches and athletic administrators in the country. The third head coach in school history, McDermott was an inaugural member of the Iona College Goal Club Hall of Fame, inducted in 1982 along with the school's first head coach, Br. Arthur Loftus and John O'Hagen, who under Coach McDermott's tutelage was the first Iona player to record 1,000 points.
McDermott served as head coach for 26 seasons from 1948-73 during which time the Gaels held a 325-252 record. The 300+ wins remain the most ever by an Iona basketball coach. Included in his tradition packed tenure were two 20-win seasons, including a career best 22-4 record during the 1949-50 campaign and three visits to the National Catholic Invitational Tournament.
He also served as head coach of the Iona College baseball team between 1947 and 1963, compiling an impressive .600 winning percentage. The Helms Foundation Hall of Fame member also served as Iona’s Director of Athletics from 1952 to 1976. Prior to being named the first commissioner of the MAAC, McDermott served as the Assistant to the President for Athletic Affairs and as Advisor to the Athletic Department at Iona.