Marian Catholic High School has named John Oliver as its new men’s basketball head coach.
A 2014 Marian Catholic alumnus, Oliver takes over after two seasons as a varsity assistant under coach Rick Romeli. Together they led the Marian Spartans to a 48-19 record and back-to-back IHSA regional titles.
John Oliver
Oliver is a teacher in Chicago Heights School District 170. In addition, he has coached three sports at Marian Catholic since 2021.
“To come full circle and lead the program I once played for is a dream come true,” Oliver said. “I’m ready to give everything I have to continue our tradition of excellence.”
In addition to his coaching role, Oliver has also played an important role in Marian Catholic’s admissions efforts and has mentored aspiring student-athletes through summer youth camps.
Under the guidance of previous head coaches Mike Taylor and Romeli, the Spartans have recorded seven consecutive 20-win seasons (excluding the pandemic year), six sectional appearances, and a third-place finish in the 2018 IHSA Class 3A state tournament.
“I am extremely proud to have John back to lead our men’s basketball program. The same spirit he brought to our program as a player will serve him well. His abundant energy and enthusiasm are contagious, and I look forward to witnessing his continued growth,” said Taylor, Marian’s athletic director.
Oliver was a key figure during Marian’s most successful basketball era, teaming with former NBA standout Tyler Ulis to help deliver 72 wins over three varsity seasons. That run included an East Suburban Catholic Conference championship, back-to-back IHSA Elite Eight appearances, a 29-4 record in 2012-13, and a 28-3 mark during Oliver’s senior year.
Oliver was known for his defensive presence and ability to control the post against bigger opponents. He led the Spartans in blocks during his final two seasons and earned a reputation as a clutch performer, most notably sealing one of Marian’s consecutive Rich South Big Dipper Tournament titles at the free throw line.
Beyond basketball, Oliver also competed in track and field. He shares the school frosh-soph record in the 100-meter dash.
Following his playing career at Saint John’s University in Collegeville, Minnesota, Oliver gained valuable coaching experience at the University of Minnesota.
“This isn’t just about wins and losses,” Oliver said. “It’s about shaping young men to be leaders on and off the court. Marian Catholic gave that to me, and now it’s my mission to pass that legacy forward.”