John Andrzejek celebrates national title with Florida before officially becoming Campbell's new head coach

Soror Shaiza | Apr 11, 2025, 00:36 IST
Florida duo, Houston's White juggle tasks as Final Four assistants set to lead their own programs
( Image credit : AP )
John Andrzejek has successfully transitioned from a national championship assistant coach at Florida to Campbell's new head basketball coach. After celebrating Florida's NCAA title, Andrzejek now turns his focus to building Campbell's program with energy and ambition, ready to lead the Camels to new heights.

A Whirlwind Week for Andrzejek


John Andrzejek has been riding the wave of an unforgettable week. As Florida’s assistant coach, he helped guide the Gators to an NCAA national championship victory against Houston on April 8, 2025. But just hours after the celebration, Andrzejek hopped on a charter flight to Campbell University in North Carolina, where he was introduced as the Camels' new head coach.

“It’s been a whirlwind,” Andrzejek admitted during his introductory news conference. After spending several days celebrating with the Gators, fielding countless messages, and soaking in the championship atmosphere, Andrzejek was ready to shift gears. He was officially focused on the task ahead: building a successful program at Campbell.

The excitement was palpable when he held up a piece of the championship net at his press conference, a symbol of his experience in winning at the highest level, and a promise of what he plans to bring to Campbell.

A Double Duty: Leading Florida and Preparing for Campbell


The timing of Andrzejek’s hire was anything but ordinary. Officially announced as Campbell's new head coach on March 20, just a day before Florida’s NCAA Tournament opener, Andrzejek faced the rare challenge of juggling dual responsibilities. While preparing for Florida’s national title run, he also spent time recruiting, making staff decisions, and planning for his new role with the Camels.

In this busy stretch, Andrzejek received critical support from Landry Kosmalski, a former Division III head coach, who helped manage Campbell’s roster-building efforts from a distance. Kosmalski helped review recruits and assist with the transition, ensuring Andrzejek could focus on Florida’s march to the Final Four while still setting the stage for Campbell’s future.

The Gators’ Championship Boosts the Camels’ Brand

While Andrzejek had his hands full with responsibilities at both Florida and Campbell, his connection to a national championship run only boosted his appeal. As the Gators advanced through the tournament, the buzz surrounding Andrzejek’s impending arrival at Campbell only grew. For both recruits and fans, having a national championship coach leading the Camels felt like a powerful boost for the program’s future.

“We couldn’t have dreamed up any better, we couldn’t have written a script any better,” said Campbell athletic director Hannah Bazemore. The championship success helped strengthen the Camels’ sales pitch, and Andrzejek himself was quick to emphasize the significance of having a national champion coach on board. This was especially meaningful for recruiting, where his experience would undoubtedly make an impact.

Building Connections in a Small-Town Community

Despite his recent success with one of the nation’s premier programs, Andrzejek made it clear that his heart was in Campbell’s small-town community. Buies Creek, home to about 5,100 students, is a far cry from Florida’s big-time basketball environment, but Andrzejek embraced the change. He spoke fondly of his roots in rural upstate New York, where he learned the value of community involvement, hard work, and connection.

“I’m comfortable here, in a small town,” he said. “We’re going to be immersed in the community—at sporting events, tailgates, church—just being a part of the fabric here.” His promise to engage fully with the campus and the town underscored his commitment to Campbell beyond just the basketball court.

As Andrzejek settles in, he’s ready to build a legacy of his own at Campbell, fostering an environment where players can grow, succeed, and, most importantly, enjoy the game. With his experience, passion, and energy, the future looks bright for the Camels under their new head coach.

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