Jimmy Lallathin was hired as men’s basketball coach at Kennesaw State on Thursday.

The announcement comes less than a day after the university announced that Lewis Preston wasn’t going to remain as coach.

Lallathin took over the program after Preston took a leave of absence for personal and medical reasons on Jan. 2 that lasted throughout the season.

Lallathin led the Owls to a 3-13 record in the season’s final two months.

Lallathin joined Preston’s staff in 2011 after four years at Miami (Ohio), the last as an assistant coach in 2010-11.

He is a native of West Chester Township, Ohio.

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Former Atlanta Journal-Constitution reporter Norman Arey died Oct. 11, 2025 at the age of 84. In addition to sports writing, Arey also co-wrote the popular "Peach Buzz" society column. (Courtesy of the Arey family)

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