UNI hires Crawford as assistant coach

University of Northern Iowa men's basketball coach

Ben Jacobson has announced the hiring of Erik Crawford as an assistant coach.

"We are thrilled to welcome Erik back to UNI," Jacobson said. "He is one of the best players in the history of our program, but more importantly Erik is a terrific person.

"He has the passion, knowledge and determination it takes to be a great coach. Erik will impact our players, our recruiting and all other aspects of our program in a positive manner."

Crawford, a native of Oakdale, Minn., totaled 985 points as a UNI Panther from 2003-2006. UNI posted a three-year mark of 65-31 during Crawford's playing days, and he helped lead the Panthers to three straight appearances in the NCAA tournament (2004, 2005, 2006).

He was an honorable mention all-Missouri Valley Conference pick as a junior. He earned MVC All-Newcomer status in 2004 following a transfer from Bowling Green State University. Crawford played prep basketball at Tartan High School in Oakdale, Minn., where he helped the Titans win the 2000 Minnesota Class 4A state title.

Crawford served as Creighton University's director of basketball operations in 2010-11. Prior to his year at Creighton, Crawford spent four seasons at Iowa State University. With the Cyclones, he served as a graduate manager (two years) and as an assistant director of basketball operations (two years).

Crawford worked for head coach Greg McDermott at both Creighton and Iowa State.

Crawford earned his undergraduate degree in leisure youth and human services from UNI in May 2006. He also earned his master's degree in kinesiology from Iowa State in May 2011.

He and his wife, Nicole, have a daughter, Mya Marie (4), and a son, Treyvin Randall (1).