FLORENCE, Ala. (May 21, 2026) – In a dual release, the University of North Alabama announced Austin Phillips has resigned as the Schmitz Family Head Men's Golf Coach to accept the head coach position at Old Dominion University.
 
Hired in 2023, Phillips has delivered three of the best seasons in program history. His run at UNA will be capped off this weekend with the program's first Division I team postseason appearance at the 2026 National Golf Invitational. Phillips also coached two golfers to back-to-back NCAA Regionals — the first two in program history — with Xing Luo in 2025 and Andrew Ferworn in 2026.
 
"We are grateful for the leadership Austin Phillips has provided to our golf program over the past three seasons," said UNA Director of Athletics Dr. Josh Looney. "He has led with integrity, developed our student‑athletes on and off the course, and elevated this program in a meaningful and lasting way. We wish Austin and his family the best as he accepts an opportunity at Old Dominion that brings him closer to home. His success reflects the strong upward trajectory of UNA Men's Golf, and we look forward to building on that momentum as we enter our next chapter."
 
Phillips departs the program after leading UNA to its highest Division I ranking in program history. The Lions have consistently hovered in the top 100 over the last few seasons, reaching as high as No. 78 last season. The Lions are currently No. 100 this season, which would stand as the highest end-of-season ranking in Division I school history.
 
In three seasons as head coach, Phillips led UNA to a 267-139-9 record. This equates to a 65.4 win percentage. The Lions have won six tournaments since Phillips arrived on campus with two wins each season. This includes all three home tournaments at Turtle Point Yacht & Country Club, two in Oneonta, Ala. and one in Savannah, Ga.
 
The Lions have been consistently at the top of team leaderboards under Phillips, including 19 top five team finishes over 34 tournaments. He coached UNA to seven all-conference selections and five Academic All-ASUN selections.
 
"I appreciate my time at North Alabama and am proud of the direction of UNA Golf," said Phillips. "I want to thank Dr. Looney and Dr. Janae Lyde for their support during my time here. My family has truly enjoyed our time in Florence, and we will cherish our time here. The future of UNA Golf is bright, and I wish the best in the future for this team."
 
A national search for UNA's next head coach will begin immediately.
 
For more information on North Alabama Athletics, visit www.roarlions.com and follow UNA Athletics on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.