Rob Summers is heading back to a familiar court—this time, as the man in charge.
On Thursday, Cleveland State University officially announced Summers as the new head coach of its men’s basketball program. The former West Virginia University center takes over after building an impressive resume as both a player and a coach, and his return marks a full-circle moment after having served as a key assistant for the Vikings from 2019 to 2022.
“I am confident Coach Summers will continue the success of the men’s basketball program he helped build as an assistant,” Cleveland State Director of Athletics Kelsie Gory Harkey said. “We had great conversations with outstanding candidates from across the country, and Coach Summers stood out as the right leader for our program as we continue to strive to win championships in the classroom, on the court and in the community.”
Familiar Grounds, Bigger Role
Summers, a Columbus, Ohio native, previously spent three seasons on the Cleveland State bench as an assistant under then-head coach Dennis Gates. During that tenure, he played a critical role in transforming the Vikings into a Horizon League powerhouse.
Serving as offensive coordinator, Summers helped elevate the program’s offensive production by over 10 points per game. The Vikings captured the Horizon League championship and earned their first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2009 under his offensive leadership. Summers’ contributions didn’t go unnoticed, and many within the program have long seen him as a rising star in the coaching ranks.
Now, he’s back to guide the very team he helped rebuild—this time from the front of the bench.
A Growing Coaching Resume
Summers brings with him a rich coaching background that spans more than a decade. Most recently, he was on the coaching staff at the University of Missouri for the 2023–24 season, reuniting with former CSU coach Dennis Gates. At Mizzou, Summers again served as offensive coordinator and post-player development specialist, helping the Tigers reach the NCAA Tournament and rank ninth nationally in offensive production.
His previous coaching stops also include time at James Madison (2013–14), two seasons at Glenville State (2011–13) as associate head coach, and three years as head coach of Division II Urbana University (2014–17), where he led the program through a competitive rebuild. Throughout these roles, Summers developed a reputation for strong leadership, tactical offensive play-calling, and player development, particularly in the frontcourt.
A Player-Turned-Coach With WVU Roots
Before turning to coaching, Summers built a solid college playing career. He began at Penn State, but after two years transferred to West Virginia University, where he made an immediate impact under coach John Beilein.
At WVU, he played a key role in guiding the Mountaineers to the 2006 NCAA Sweet 16 and the 2007 National Invitation Tournament (NIT) Championship. Known for his physicality and presence in the paint, Summers stood out for his basketball IQ and leadership qualities—traits that have seamlessly translated into his coaching career.
Cleveland State’s Vision Moving Forward
Summers inherits a Cleveland State program that has seen renewed success in recent years and is eager to sustain its upward momentum. The Vikings have built a culture of toughness, fast-paced play, and community engagement, and Summers appears to be the perfect fit to uphold that identity.
His familiarity with the players, the program, and the Horizon League gives him a unique advantage. And given his strong recruiting ties, offensive acumen, and passion for player development, expectations are high that Cleveland State can continue to compete at the top of the conference.
What’s Next for the Vikings?
With the coaching position now filled, Summers will get right to work finalizing his staff, meeting with returning players, and diving into the transfer portal and recruiting trail. As the NCAA basketball landscape continues to shift rapidly, Cleveland State’s ability to stay competitive will hinge on roster development and continuing to build a strong team culture.
But for now, the message is clear—Cleveland State has its leader, and Rob Summers is ready to bring energy, vision, and excellence to the program he once helped elevate from the assistant’s seat.
