NAVAL ACADEMY, Md. — Ed DeChellis, the Navy men’s basketball coach, is officially retiring after an impressive 29-year career in collegiate coaching, with the last 14 spent at the Naval Academy. Known for his leadership and dedication, DeChellis leaves behind a legacy characterized by a deep commitment to his players and the institution.
In a career spanning nearly three decades, DeChellis has set several milestones. At Navy, he achieved a remarkable coaching record, having presided over 426 games—the most in the program's history. Under his guidance, the Midshipmen reached the championship game of the Patriot League Tournament this year, only to narrowly lose to American University.
Previously, he also made significant contributions as head coach at Penn State and East Tennessee State, joining a select group of coaches who have won over 100 games at three different programs. As of his retirement announcement on March 19, 2025, he was one of only seven active head coaches in this exclusive club.
"It has been a great honor to serve at the Naval Academy and I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to coach so many exceptional young men," said DeChellis during the announcement of his retirement. He expressed heartfelt gratitude towards Navy athletic director Chet Gladchuk, thanking him for his support and leadership throughout his tenure. He noted, "The Naval Academy represents a set of timeless values that form the bedrock of our nation. I am proud to have played a small role in advancing those values through sport.”
DeChellis finishes his career at Navy with 196 wins, ranking him third in school history. He has also participated in 29 Army-Navy games, which ties him with legendary coach Don DeVoe for the most among Navy's coaching ranks. His nine conference tournament wins are surpassed only by DeVoe.
During his time, DeChellis achieved notable accolades, including conference coach of the year awards at each of the institutions he coached. His coaching accolades include leading ETSU to the NCAA Tournament in 2003 and taking Penn State there in 2011, along with winning the National Invitation Tournament (NIT) title in 2009 with the Nittany Lions. Despite these successes, he was unable to take Navy to the NCAA Tournament during his stint, a goal he aspired to achieve.
A hallmark of his career has been his resilience and longevity. DeChellis was a head coach for 29 consecutive seasons, ranking fifth for the longest streak in Division I basketball history when he announced his retirement. Only a few revered coaches have held their posts longer—Rick Barnes, Dana Altman, Bill Self, Tom Izzo, and Steve Alford.
With DeChellis's retirement, the Navy Midshipmen have begun the search for a new head coach. Associate head coach Jon Perry has been appointed as interim head coach while the athletic department conducts a national search for DeChellis’s permanent replacement. This transition marks a new chapter in Navy basketball, with Perry ready to step into the role, albeit temporarily, as the team embarks on this new journey.
“Just extending appreciation does not measure up to the immense gratitude our Academy has for Coach DeChellij,” said Gladchuk regarding DeChellis's departure. “He has been rock solid in every dimension of leadership as our head coach and as a distinguished representative of the values this institution represents.”
As the Navy basketball program looks ahead, many will reflect on DeChellis’s significant impact—how he molded young men into athletes and leaders, instilling values that transcend the basketball court. His legacy will certainly endure among the players he coached, the Navy community, and the broader collegiate sports landscape.
As the Midshipmen prepare for a future without DeChellis, it is clear that his contributions will be felt for years to come; a true embodiment of coaching excellence and character in his relentless pursuit of success in NCAA basketball.
