CLEVELAND, Ohio - Bob Dunn has been named the next head coach of the Cleveland State women's basketball program, Vice President and Director of Athletics Kelsie Gory Harkey announced today (April 13). Dunn previously served as an assistant coach for the Vikings and becomes the eighth head coach in program history.

"We are thrilled to welcome Bob Dunn back to Cleveland State as our next women's basketball coach," Gory Harkey said. "Coach Dunn will undoubtedly continue the success of the women's basketball program which he helped build as an assistant coach. After speaking with outstanding candidates from across the country, Coach Dunn stood out as the individual that will continue to lead our student-athletes to become champions in the classroom, in the community and through competition. Thank you to Kyle Bowlsby and Elevate for their assistance in the search process, and we are excited to have Coach Dunn as part of the Viking Family once again!"

A Cleveland area native, Dunn spent three years with Cleveland State as an assistant coach (2021-23, 2024-25), helping the Vikings to the 2023 Horizon League Championship title and three postseason appearances. During Cleveland State's 2022-23 Horizon League Championship season, Dunn helped the Vikings to a program-record 30-5 mark and their third NCAA Tournament appearance in program history.

In addition to the NCAA Tournament bid, Dunn helped the Vikings to a runner-up finish at the 2022 WBI and a Fab 4 appearance in the 2025 WNIT.

During his three seasons as an assistant coach with the Vikings, Cleveland State recorded three 20-win seasons, amassing an 80-24 overall record.

"I am incredibly honored and grateful for the opportunity to lead this program and continue the tradition of success at Cleveland State University," Dunn said. "Coaching in my hometown is truly special, and my pride for CSU and the Cleveland community will be reflected in everything we do. I want to thank President Bloomberg, Kelsie Gory Harkey, and their outstanding staff for their confidence in me and the opportunity to build on the strong culture already in place. I'm deeply appreciative of the players and coaches who have been part of my journey, including my three seasons here at CSU, who have helped prepare me for this moment. I'm excited to lead this program into a new era—one that honors the championship standard while continuing to push forward and transform the student-athlete experience. Go Vikes!"

Most recently, Dunn spent the 2025-26 campaign as an assistant coach at Penn State where he focused on recruiting, offensive scheming, data analytics, and post coaching – including Gracie Merkle who finished as the NCAA Single-Season Field Goal Percentage leader.

Dunn also has Power 4 experience at Miami, where he was an assistant coach for the 2023-24 season, helping the Hurricanes to a 19-12 record and an ACC Tournament Quarterfinal appearance.

In addition, Dunn spent six seasons as an assistant coach and international recruiter at George Mason, developing back-to-back A-10 Players of the Year while also helping the team to the most wins in a single-season in program history during 2017-18.

His first collegiate coaching opportunity came at Wagner, where he served as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator, helping Jasmine Nwajei finish the season as the NCAA Scoring leader.

Dunn also spent two seasons as the video coordinator at Kentucky, helping the Wildcats advance to back-to-back SEC Championship games, while advancing to the NCAA Elite Eight and Sweet 16.

Dunn earned his undergraduate (2010) and graduate (2011) degrees from Dayton where he served as a men's basketball student manager, graduate assistant and video coordinator.

Cleveland State retained Elevate to conduct an extensive national search for head coach candidates. Dunn's appointment is contingent upon a background check and the approval by the Cleveland State University Board of Trustees.

DUNN'S COACHING HISTORY
2025-26 – Penn State (Assistant Coach)
2024-25 – Cleveland State (Assistant Coach)
2023-24 – Miami (Assistant Coach)
2021-23 – Cleveland State (Assistant Coach)
2015-21 – George Mason (Assistant Coach)
2014-15 – Wagner (Assistant Coach)
2012-14 – Kentucky (Video Coordinator)

WHAT THEY'RE SAYING ABOUT BOB DUNN
Katie Meier, Former University of Miami Head Coach
"What an incredible hire by CSU! Bob is a brilliant coach with a perfect mix of compassion and motivation. Players love his ability to teach the game. He is a tireless worker who inspires everyone. The University and the community will absolutely love what Bob will bring to Cleveland!"

Carolyn Kieger, Former Penn State and Marquette Head Coach 
"Bob Dunn is as steady and genuine as they come. Cleveland State is getting a relentless worker, a high-character leader, and a true players' coach—someone his athletes trust because they know he genuinely cares about them on and off the court. He's sharp, composed under pressure, and brings a calm confidence that elevates everyone around him. Most importantly, he leads with loyalty and authenticity—to his players, his staff, and the mission. He's built for this opportunity, and I couldn't be more excited to see him lead his own program."

Nyla Milleson, Former George Mason and Missouri State Head Coach; Current Athletic Director Drury University
"What a great hire for Cleveland State women's basketball. Coach Dunn is a person of high character and integrity. He is a relationship builder, a skill developer and a tireless worker. He understands what an outstanding program looks like. I am excited to watch Coach Dunn elevate CSU women's basketball."

Chris Kielsmeier, Former Cleveland State Head Coach; Current Texas State Head Coach
"I'm proud to see Bob get the chance to lead his own program! He appreciates all parts of the game and will work hard to continue the success of the program. I know that he will embrace this opportunity and build off of his experience being on the CSU sideline in previous years. Not only does he bring experience and knowledge on the court, but he will also inspire and guide the student-athletes off the court. I look forward to seeing what Bob and the Vikings can accomplish!"