Cleveland State has tabbed Bob Dunn as the eighth head coach in its women’s basketball history, the university announced on Monday.
Dunn replaces Chris Kielsmeier, who departed at the beginning of the month after eight seasons to take over the program at Texas State. However, given that Dunn assisted Kielsmeier on the Vikings’ staff on two separate occasions – 2021-23 and 2024-25 – his hiring is a clear signal that the CSU administration is trying to retain the many successes of the Kielsmeier era, while also moving the program forward.
“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 in the school’s release. “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.”
During his first tour as a Viking, Dunn helped Cleveland State to its third-ever Horizon League Tournament title, along with the corresponding trip to the NCAA Tournament and a school-record 30 victories. He also was a part of CSU’s run to the Fab 4 of the 2025 WNIT.
However, two factors, outside of his familiarity with his once-and-again employer, likely helped elevate Dunn above other contenders. One is his experience with high-major programs, as he was an assistant coach at Miami in 2023-24, then at Penn State in 2025-26. The other is the fact that he’s a Cleveland native who can undoubtedly help raise the Vikings’ profile in their often-apathetic local market.
“Coaching in my hometown is truly special, and my pride for CSU and the Cleveland community will be reflected in everything we do,” Dunn added. “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.”
Gory Harkey, Cleveland State’s athletic director, has now made two basketball coaching hires. The other, men’s leader Rob Summers, followed a broadly similar career arc to Dunn. Summers is also an Ohio native who was previously an assistant coach at CSU during a Horizon League championship season (2020-21), before following that squad’s head coach, Dennis Gates, to Missouri and gaining power conference experience.
“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.”
Prior to his first turn in green and white, Dunn spent six seasons at George Mason under then-head coach Nyla Milleson. He began his career with a pair of degrees from Dayton, followed by two years as a video coordinator at Kentucky, then his first job as a full assistant coach, at Wagner. He is billed as a brilliant tactician and analytics mind, as well as someone who has a natural rapport with players.
Undoubtedly, all of that contributed to why Kielsmeier hired him twice.
“I’m proud to see Bob get the chance to lead his own program!” his former boss exclaimed. “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!”
The task now for Dunn, as with any new head coach, is assembling a staff and a roster ahead of summer workouts. Certainly, the former will depend greatly on whether Kielsmeier brings anyone down to Texas with him, but 2025-26 Vikings staffers Shelby Zoeckler, Chenara Wilson, and Hanna Zerr have worked with Dunn during his previous CSU stints.
Similarly, forward Macey Fegan and guard Sarah Hurley were with Dunn in 2024-25, although they, along with every other Viking with remaining eligibility outside of freshman Sur Lozano, entered the transfer portal shortly after Kielsmeier’s departure. There’s at least a chance of recruiting a player or two back to Cleveland State, though realistically, next year’s squad will look substantially different.
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