Year after year, the Valley produces teams capable of deep postseason runs, and the tradition continues with programs like Drake and Indiana State keeping the conference on the national radar.
This offseason brought new energy and leadership to two proud programs. With fresh faces taking over at Drake and Murray State, the 2025–26 campaign promises new storylines and plenty of intrigue.
Let’s meet the new head coaches leading the next chapter in the Missouri Valley Conference.
Drake Bulldogs
In: Eric Henderson
Out: Ben McCollum
The 47-year-old Eric Henderson arrives in Des Moines after an impressive six-year run at South Dakota State. A former Wayne State player, Henderson worked his way up the coaching ladder through high school and college assistant roles before taking over the Jackrabbits in 2019. His teams were consistent winners, posting a 129–60 record and finishing in the top three of the Summit League every season, including four regular-season titles.
Henderson’s arrival follows the brief but brilliant tenure of Ben McCollum, who guided Drake to a 31–4 record and an NCAA Tournament victory in his lone season. McCollum, one of the game’s sharpest basketball minds, leaves behind a program built on defense, discipline, and belief. His career coaching mark of 425–95 underscores his steady excellence.
Now, Henderson steps into a position loaded with expectations and potential, as Drake aims to remain the standard-bearer for the Missouri Valley.
Murray State Racers
In: Ryan Miller
Out: Steve Prohm
Ryan Miller takes over the Racers and steps into his first head coaching opportunity after more than two decades as an assistant at some of college basketball’s top programs. A former Northern State standout, Miller’s coaching résumé includes valuable experience under leaders like John Calipari, Steve Alford, and Greg McDermott. His journey has taken him through Auburn, UNLV, TCU, and Creighton, and now, he finally gets the chance to lead a tradition-rich Murray State program.
Steve Prohm exits after three consecutive seventh-place finishes, closing out his second tenure with the Racers. Prohm’s first run at Murray State was marked by success, but his return to the Missouri Valley never reached the same heights. After a six-year stretch at Iowa State and a brief hiatus from coaching, his comeback did not capture the same spark that once made the Racers a force.
For Miller, the task is clear: restore the Racers’ trademark toughness and return the program to contention in one of the deepest mid-major conferences in the nation.
The Valley Marches On
Two new leaders, two storied programs, and one conference defined by resilience. The Missouri Valley’s heartbeat never slows, even as the faces on the sidelines change. With Eric Henderson bringing a winning pedigree to Drake and Ryan Miller injecting new life into Murray State, the 2025–26 season feels like the start of something special.
The Missouri Valley has always been about more than just basketball. it’s about grit, loyalty, and pride. This year’s coaching shifts only add more fuel to that fire.