Maryland men’s basketball finalizes staff for 2014-2015 season

Warren gets promoted and Nima Omidvar added to staff.

The 2014-2015 Maryland men’s basketball staff is now officially finalized. Head coach Mark Turgeon announced on Tuesday that Cliff Warren has been promoted from director of basketball operations to assistant coach and Nima Omidvar has been hired as director of basketball operations.

Warren’s roots are in Maryland having grown up in Silver Spring and then playing his collegiate career at Mount Saint Mary’s. Coach Turgeon’s thoughts on Cliff Warren…

"“Cliff has been an outstanding addition to our staff this offseason. Soon after working with Cliff, I realized that I already had the best person in place to assume the role of assistant coach. He has made a seamless transition into our program and will continue to be a valuable asset with his strong ties to our region and his head coaching experience at the Division I level. Throughout his career, Cliff has been recognized and well-respected for his knowledge of the game, his recruiting ability and his development of players on and off the court.”"

Before Maryland, Warren was head coach at Jacksonville from 2005-2014 where he became the programs all-time wins leader (126) and helped lead the Dolphins to consecutive Atlantic Sun championships in 2009 and 2010. He was also named Atlantic Sun coach of the year after a successful 2009 season. Not only does Warren bring head coaching experience, but he has also been an assistant coach at Mount St. Mary’s, Sienna, and Georgia Tech were he was part of the coaching staff that helped lead the Yellow Jackets to the national championship game in 2004. Having coaches that have been to the big dance and have made it to college basketball’s final game is always a plus for any program. Maryland has Juan Dixon and now Cliff Warren who bring the experience and knowledge to help develop this program into a contender once again. Warren was first hired as director of basketball operations but because of his promotion, Turgeon has now hired Nima Omidvar to fill that void.

Omidvar graduated from the University of Maryland in 2008 with a degree in economics and attended Damascus High School in Damascus, Md. Coach Turgeon’s thoughts on Nima Omidvar…

"“We’re happy to welcome Nima back to the University of Maryland. Nima is a great addition to our staff and it’s always exciting to bring back a member of the Terrapin family. His coaching experience combined with the inroads he has made in our community through his background in grassroots basketball makes him the ideal person for this position.”"

After graduation from Maryland, Omidvar has been involved in various basketball positions at UNC Charlotte (2009-2010), Bowie State (2010-2011) and NC State (2011-2014). His experience as a graduate assistant, assistant coach and video coordinator will be a valuable asset to this years Terrapin team. Welcome home Cliff Warren and Nima Omidvar! Go Terps!