Pasco-Hernando State College announces the hiring of Phil Gaffney as the new Head Basketball Coach.
Gaffney, a seasoned basketball coach, has a background that includes coaching in both major universities and colleges from the NCAA, NJCAA, FCSAA, and GCAA.
His guidance has led to success in the junior college world with four different schools breaking their records for most single-season wins under his leadership [Georgia Highlands - 34, Guilford Tech - 28, Mohawk Valley - 27, & Columbia-Greene – 22] and three national tournament appearances over his 20+ year career. Since 2005, Gaffney has a combined 366-180 overall record, entering the 2025-26 season.
Most recently, Gaffney was the head coach at Gulf Coast State College in the Pan Handle Conference from 2019-2024, where he led the Commodores to a 78-60 overall record in the past five seasons and an NJCAA Region 8 Championship in 2020.
“I’m extremely grateful and excited to be chosen to lead the Bobcats’ Men's Basketball Team. The positive culture Coach Coleman is creating within the athletic program makes this a great opportunity. I love the academic reputation of Pasco-Hernando State College, as well as the beautiful location,” says Gaffney.
He further explains, “the goal every year is to graduate all our student-athletes, win the Region 8 Championship, and compete for a National Championship. In our first year, we are striving to be competitive while building a winning culture.”
"Phil is a proven winner, both on and off the court, having led his previous four NJCAA programs to top-5 national rankings. We are excited to have him as part of PHSC Athletics and look forward to building a basketball program that is respected not only locally, but nationally,” said Lyndon Coleman, Athletic Director.