Major college basketball news hit West Virginia this week. On Thursday, West Liberty University announced that men’s basketball heads coach Ben Howlett is stepping down. It was then later revealed that Howlett is taking his talents to the Division I level to take over as head coach at Indiana University Indianapolis.

West Liberty then took to social media to celebrate and honor Howlett.

West Liberty’s Ben Howlett Steps Down as Head Men’s Basketball Coach After Historic Run https://t.co/RhuUu2hQmi#GoWLU | #TopperNation pic.twitter.com/njmr3kiIRT

— West Liberty Athletics (@WLathletics) May 22, 2025

A former standout player and long-time assistant coach for the Hilltoppers, Howlett has established himself as one of the most successful coaches in program history since his becoming head coach in 2017.

During his eight-season tenure, Howlett compiled a 217–37 record, becoming the fastest coach in school history to reach 200 career wins. Under his leadership, the Hilltoppers captured eight consecutive Mountain East Conference (MEC) regular-season championships, made multiple NCAA Tournament appearances, and reached the pinnacle of the sport with a national championship game appearance in 2023.

Howlett earned MEC Coach of the Year honors three times (2018, 2022, 2025) and Atlantic District Coach of the Year in 2025.

“It has been an incredible honor to lead the Hilltopper basketball program,” said Howlett as part of the school’s press release. “I am deeply grateful to the players, staff, and all of TopperNation who have supported me throughout my tenure. I look forward to the next chapter in my career and am excited about the future of West Liberty basketball.”

West Liberty University Director of Athletics Brad Forshey also praised Howlett for his lasting impact on the university and the basketball program:

“Ben Howlett has been a pillar of excellence and loyalty for West Liberty University. His unwavering commitment to our student-athletes, the program, and the Hilltopper community has elevated West Liberty basketball to national prominence.

We are deeply grateful for all he has accomplished during his time here and thank him for the passion, integrity, and relentless work ethic he brought every single day. We wish Ben and his family nothing but continued success in his next chapter—he will always be a part of the Hilltopper family.

As we look ahead, we will immediately begin a national search for our next head coach and plan to act swiftly. We are confident that the tradition of success that defines West Liberty basketball will not only continue, but grow stronger.”

The university will launch a national search for its next head men’s basketball coach. In the interim, assistant coaches Bryce Butler and Aaron Huffman will oversee day-to-day operations of the program.

Most of this story with some minor adjustments was taken from the West Liberty press release.