Ed Cooley Receives Key to City of Providence

Providence College Press Release

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Providence Mayor Jorge O. Elorza today joined Former Rhode Island State Senator Harold Metts, Providence Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Javier Montañez and Providence Public School District students to present a Key to the City to Providence College Men’s Basketball Coach Ed Cooley.

Cooley led Providence College to the 2022 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament as a No. 4 seed.  The Friars reached the Sweet 16 before losing to eventual national champion Kansas.  Cooley was named Werner Ladder Naismith Coach of the Year and BIG EAST Coach of the Year.  He is the first Friar coach to win either award.  His Friars also won the BIG EAST Regular Season title – the first time ever for a Providence men’s basketball team.

Cooley, who grew up in Providence, attended Central High School in the City.  He played basketball at Central High School and he was a two-time Rhode Island High School Player of the Year honoree.

“Having grown up in Providence, I have so much passion and love for this City,” Cooley said. “I appreciate Mayor Elorza and the City officials for recognizing our team and all its achievements this season with the Key to the City. It was a special season and I am thankful for how the City of Providence and the State of Rhode Island supported the Friars. That is what makes the Dunk’ such a special home court for us!”

Cooley, who has coached the Friars for 11 seasons, has posted a 221-141 mark during his time with the Friars.  He ranks second all-time in wins at Providence behind Joe Mullaney (319-164).  Cooley also coached for five seasons at Fairfield (2006-2011) and registered a 92-69 mark.  In 16 seasons as a head coach, he has posted a 313-210 record, which includes, six NCAA Tournament appearances at Providence.  His 2014 Friar squad captured the BIG EAST Tournament title.