When people are asked to leave their jobs, they often wonder what opportunity will come next. But for Tim Buckley, finding new employment was easy.
Buckley was removed after six seasons as the Ball State University men's basketball coach and has since accepted a job as an assistant coach at the University of Iowa under head coach Steve Alford.-á
Buckley said he has settled in quite nicely in Iowa City.-á
"The transition has been outstanding," Buckley said. "I'm very excited to be a part of the coaching staff here at the University of Iowa. It's a great opportunity for my family and me."-á
After six seasons as being the face of a program, Buckley will take on the responsibilities of a typical collegiate assistant coach, which include helping out with scouting and recruiting.-á
"It's a well-rounded staff," Buckley said. "We have a lot of expertise in a lot of different areas. Right now I'm just here to make Iowa a better program."-á
Alford said Buckley will be a great asset to the program.-á
"Buck and I have been friends since our Division III days when he was at Rockford [College] and I was at Manchester [College]," Alford said. "He's a great fit for us. I trust him, I know he's loyal, and he has a good knowledge of the game."-á
Alford also said Buckley's experience as a former head coach is an extra advantage to bringing him on.-á
"He's been in that seat," Alford said. "He understands how to coach. He's got experience in doing off-the-court coaching duties like dealing with boosters and has a great track record as both an assistant and a head coach."-á
Buckley finished his career at Ball State with a 93-87 record. He also spent five seasons as a Ball State assistant from 1994-1998. Buckley's most notable achievement at Ball State was in the 2001-02 season, where his Cardinals opened the season by making the finals of the Maui Invitational after upsetting UCLA and Kansas University in back-to-back games. The team was ranked as high as 15th nationally and finished in the Elite Eight of the postseason National Invitational Tournament.
Despite failing to reach that level of success in the seasons to follow, Buckley still says he carries few regrets about his time at Ball State.-á
"The only thing I regret is injuries to key players, but overall the experience was outstanding," Buckley said. "It was a wonderful 11 years, and I have a great fondness of my time there. I know Ronny [Thompson] will get that program up to the level it should be, and I wish them nothing but the best."
As for future head coaching opportunities, Buckley said he's going to take everything in stride.-á
"I don't think you go into it with that in mind," Buckley said. "Hopefully, I will have that opportunity in the future, but right now, I'm happy where I am."-á
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