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COLLEGE OF THE OZARKS NAMES JOSH MAWHORR AS HEAD MEN’S BASKETBALL COACH

April 17, 2026
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Mawhorr becomes the fifth head men’s coach in the history of the College of the Ozarks program. Mawhorr becomes the fifth head men’s coach in the history of the College of the Ozarks program.

College of the Ozarks has named Josh Mawhorr as its new head men’s basketball coach. Mawhorr has  recent experience both inside the Bobcat program and at the Division I level. Mawhorr previously served as an assistant men’s basketball coach at College of the Ozarks during the 2023-24 season and most recently has worked as a graduate assistant with Baylor University men’s basketball since June 2024. Mawhorr becomes the fifth head men’s coach in the history of the program.

“I am humbled and honored to be named the next head men’s basketball coach at College of the Ozarks,” Mawhorr said. “I first want to thank the Lord for His work of grace in my life that has prepared and equipped me to steward this opportunity for His glory. I want to thank Director of Athletics Steve Shepherd, Assistant Vice President of College Operations Nick Sharp, and President Brad Johnson for giving me the opportunity to lead the program. My family and I are excited to be back in the Ozarks and to continue building on the strong foundation that has been laid here.”

The hire brings Mawhorr back to Point Lookout after two years in the Big 12, where his responsibilities at Baylor included player development, scouting, film analysis, and camp operations. His time there also coincided with Baylor’s run to the second round of the 2025 NCAA Tournament. Mawhorr was also involved in the development of Norchad Omier, who earned All-Big 12 recognition, experience that gives the Bobcats a coach with recent exposure to high-level preparation and daily program management.

“This is a special moment for our men’s basketball program at College of the Ozarks,” said Steve Shepherd, College of the Ozarks athletic director. “We are excited to announce Josh Mawhorr as the next head men’s basketball coach. Throughout the hiring process, Josh’s passion, vision, and commitment to leading in a Christ-centered way was clearly evident. Josh has a unique ability to connect, motivate, and inspire his players. I am confident that under Josh’s leadership, our men’s basketball team will compete at a high level.”

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Roster building and program development key part of background

Mawhorr’s background also includes head coaching and recruiting experience from his time at Link Year Prep. He served as head coach of a regional Link Year Prep team from April 2021 to April 2023, after first working as an assistant there from August 2019 to April 2021. During that stretch, he recruited nearly 30 players to the program and helped place more than 15 players on college rosters across NCAA Division I, Division II, NAIA, and NJCAA levels. That track record demonstrates Mawhorr’s experience both on the court and in roster building and program development.

“Josh effectively balances how to instill belief and confidence in players while maintaining an appropriate level of accountability that allows players to grow on and off the court,” said Scott Drew, head men’s basketball coach at Baylor University. “His prior experience at College of the Ozarks and Link Academy allowed him to contribute to our player development plans and on-court strategy in a significant way.”

Before those stops, Mawhorr built a varied leadership background through ministry work, summer-camp leadership roles, and a pastoral residency. His playing career included two years in roles as a starter at Saint Xavier University and Indiana Wesleyan University, where he was part of the 2016 NAIA national championship team and earned scholar-athlete honors.

“Josh knows what winning basketball looks like, what daily standards are required to sustain it, and how accountability and togetherness fuel high-level performance,” said former coach and mentor Greg Tonegal, head men’s basketball coach at Indiana Wesleyan University. “He is demanding in all the right ways, encouraging in the right moments, and fully aligned with the work it takes to build a winning culture.

Josh holds a bachelor’s degree in business management from Indiana Wesleyan University, a seminary certificate completed in 2024, and a master’s degree in sports management from Baylor University. He and his wife, Lindsay, have a two-year-old son, Rother.

 

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Josh Mawhorr and his wife, Lindsay, have a two-year-old son, Rother. Josh Mawhorr and his wife, Lindsay, have a two-year-old son, Rother.

Continuity, experience, character development in focus for the future

For the Bobcat Men’s Basketball Program, the hire signals a move toward continuity with added experience from outside programs. Mawhorr is excited to get started, and he is looking forward to continuing the rich tradition of Bobcat Basketball as College of the Ozarks begins a new era on the men’s basketball sideline.

“It was important to us to work for an institution that valued building godly men while building a championship-caliber program,” Mawhorr said. “College of the Ozarks is a place where we can do both, and for that, we are extremely grateful. I was fortunate enough to win my last collegiate game as a player on the floor of Keeter Gymnasium while playing for Indiana Wesleyan in the national championship game, and I will give my all to ensure there are many more wins to come. The men’s basketball program is eager to show everyone, on and off the court, what Hard Work U. is all about!”

For additional information, contact Public Relations Director Valorie Coleman at (417) 690-2212.