Just two years after their conference transition from the Horizon League into the Missouri Valley Conference, the University of Illinois Chicago Flames made a significant change in leadership.
Earlier this year, UIC announced that head coach Luke Yaklich would not return for the 2024-25 season. This move marked the end of Yaklich’s four-year stint as the program’s head coach, recording less than 50 wins throughout his tenure with the Flames. The decision surprised many fans, but it brought optimism for the future.
The official statement released by UIC Athletics bid farewell to Yaklich on March 10 and closed with, “We determined the time has come for a change. We wish [coach Yaklich] and his family every future success.”
Fans and analysts alike, however, could not ignore the seemingly unbalanced results on the court that came with Yaklich’s coaching style. Defensively, the Flames’ scoring margin sat at only -1.3 points per game last season, but the team could not keep up offensively. The coaching change came at the same time as the transfer of the Flames’ 2023-24 leading scorer, Isaiah Rivera (.460 FG% over 33 games). The former Colorado State standout guard signed with DePaul University for his senior season.
For the upcoming season, the Flames have brought on Rob Ehsan as head coach. Alongside multiple members of a fresh assistant coaching staff, Ehsan hopes to bring balance to the court for the Flames. The decision to hire Ehsan comes with a heavy focus on recruitment and development.
Michael Lipitz, UIC’s Director of Athletics, notes that Ehsan has “extensive experience in Illinois, nationally, and internationally,” highlighting the new coach’s “clear vision to enhance Flames basketball.”
In contrast to Yaklich’s coaching reputation, Ehsan has been known for his offensive tactics over 20 years of collegiate coaching experience. Earning conference titles at power conference programs in the past, Ehsan is aiming to bring the Flames some long-awaited hardware.
The Flames will host St. Francis on Nov. 4 to start off their non-conference season.
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