Cub Sports News
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
U OF D JESUIT VARSITY BASKETBALL COACH TO STEP DOWN
LEGENDARY COACH TO TAKE OVER AS SCHOOL’S FULL TIME ATHLETICS DIRECTOR
DETROIT (April 29, 2025) – University of Detroit Jesuit Principal Dr. Chris Smith has announced a leadership change in the basketball program for the first time in nearly two decades. Pat Donnelly, who has led the Cubs for the past 17 seasons, will step away from coaching to serve full-time as the school’s Director of Athletics. Additionally, current assistant coach and alumnus Chris Jenkins ’12 has been named the new head coach of the varsity basketball program.
“Coach Donnelly provided a tremendous service to our Cub Community last summer when he agreed to step up as the interim Athletic Director on short notice for this year,” said Smith. “Our school has so much confidence in Coach Donnelly’s ability to support all our athletic programs with the expertise he has from decades of coaching at a championship level. Coaches and students tell me regularly how they feel greatly supported by Coach Donnelly.”
Donnelly became head coach of the Cubs in spring 2008. Over his tenure, he guided the program to a 310-89 record, winning 78 percent of their Catholic High School League (CHSL) games. Under his leadership, the Cubs captured eight CHSL championships, including a record-setting seven consecutive titles from 2012–13 through 2018–19.
Since the 2011–12 season, U of D Jesuit has won 13 district titles — including the last 12 in a row — along with six regional titles, four Final Four appearances, and the MHSAA State Championship in 2016, finishing a perfect 28–0. That 2016 team was ranked fourth nationally.
Donnelly has been named CHSL Coach of the Year five times and was honored as Michigan Coach of the Year and National Coach of the Year in 2016. He was inducted into the CHSL Hall of Fame in 2023.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as the varsity basketball coach at U of D Jesuit,” said Donnelly. “It has been a true honor to work with the student-athletes, coaches, support staff and administrators over the last 17 years. I cannot thank my family, friends, fans and the loyal Cub alumni enough for their unwavering support of the basketball program.”
Jenkins, who has served on the U of D Jesuit coaching staff for the past four years, assumes the head coaching role effective immediately. Before coaching, Jenkins had a standout collegiate playing career at the University of Colorado and the University of Detroit Mercy, followed by a professional career in Europe and Asia.
“Chris will do a terrific job leading the basketball program,” said Donnelly. “He has a deep knowledge of the game, a strong work ethic, and a passion for developing players. His outstanding communication skills and ability to build relationships with student-athletes and their families will
be critical in maintaining and growing the program’s positive culture. Chris also fully understands the demands of player development and what it takes to succeed at the high school level and beyond.”
As a student-athlete at U of D Jesuit, Jenkins helped lead the Cubs to a District #21 championship, scoring 20 points in the title game. He was a three-time All-Catholic League first-team selection, earned First-Team All-Detroit honors from The Detroit News as a senior, and was a finalist for the prestigious Mr. Basketball Award.
“I am incredibly honored to step into the role of Varsity Boys Basketball Head Coach at U of D Jesuit,” said Jenkins. “This program has held a special place in my heart since my time as a varsity player from 2009–2012 and during my recent years as an assistant coach. I am excited and committed to building on the strong foundation already in place. I look forward to leading with passion, purpose, and a focus on developing not just great athletes, but great young men. As a former Cub, this opportunity is especially meaningful. U of D Jesuit helped shape who I am—both as an individual and in my faith—and I take great pride in giving back to the school and program that have given me so much. I am excited for the future and the opportunity to continue our tradition of excellence, both on and off the court.”
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