July 11, 2006
ORLANDO - UCF men's basketball head coach Kirk Speraw announced on Tuesday that Micah Byars has been hired to fill the newly created director of basketball operations position. Byars spent the 2005-06 season with the Golden Knights as a volunteer administrative assistant.
In his new role, Byars, who brings seven years of experience in the college ranks to the UCF staff, will assist with scheduling, film editing and exchange, travel coordination and other administrative duties. He will also assist with on-campus recruiting and will help monitor the Golden Knights' academic progress.
"Micah is a hard-working, organized person who will fill a key role in our program as the director of basketball operations. With the numerous demands that coaches have, the job of director of basketball operations is an important position within a program," said Speraw. "Micah is familiar with our program and knows the demands of the job. I think he will be a tremendous asset as a member of our staff."
Before moving to Orlando prior to last season, Byars served as an assistant coach at Chipola College in Marianna, Fla. from 2003-05. With Byars on the staff, the Indians finished fourth in the nation in 2004-05 and sixth the previous season. Byars worked directly with Chipola's post players, while assisting with recruiting, scheduling and film exchange.
From 2001-03, he worked an administrative assistant on the New Orleans men's basketball staff under head coach Monte Towe. Before joining the Privateer staff, Byars was an assistant for two seasons under Towe at Santa Fe Community College in Gainesville, Fla.
"I am excited to be joining the staff in this new capacity," said Byars. "I am looking forward to working with coach Speraw and the entire staff and feel that I can help the program as it continues to grow in Conference USA."
The Gainesville native began his coaching career in his hometown at P.K. Yonge High School in 1995. Byars spent time at the school as the freshman boys' basketball head coach and also served as the junior varsity football head coach.