Auburn University at Montgomery head women's basketball coach Ashlee’ Phillips has announced the addition of Markus Black as an assistant coach in July, 2026.
"We're excited to welcome Markus Black to our coaching staff," said Ashlee' Phillips. "His experience, passion for the game, and commitment to developing student-athletes will help move our program forward. Markus will be a tremendous addition to our program, and we look forward to the positive impact he'll have on our team."
Black arrives in Montgomery after building an impressive coaching resume at the NCAA Division I, NCAA Division II, and high school levels, helping programs achieve championship success while developing numerous all-conference, All-America and professional players.
"I am deeply grateful to all the mentors, colleagues, and family members who helped me reach this point in my career,” said Black. “Their support has shaped who I am as a coach. I am thrilled to bring that passion to AUM and work alongside this staff to elevate our program in the Gulf South Conference."
Most recently, Black spent the 2025-26 season as an assistant coach for the women's basketball program at California State University, San Bernardino. During his time with the Coyotes, he designed and implemented player development initiatives that resulted in three student-athletes earning their first career All-Conference honors.
Before joining the women's staff, Black spent two seasons as an assistant coach with the Cal State San Bernardino men's basketball program. He helped guide the Coyotes to more than 50 victories, a CCAA Championship, an NCAA West Region Championship and a trip to the NCAA Division II Final Four while establishing the program as one of the winningest teams in the West Region. He also played a key role in developing seven All-Conference selections and a National All-American.
Prior to his time in California, Black served as a graduate assistant at the University of Arkansas from 2021-23. While with the Razorbacks, he assisted with player development, scouting, recruiting materials and video analysis while contributing to teams that advanced to the NCAA Elite Eight and back-to-back Sweet 16 appearances. During his tenure, he helped develop multiple All-Conference performers across both the men's and women's basketball programs.
Black began his coaching career as the head boys basketball coach at Booker High School in Sarasota, Florida, where he transformed the program into one of the state's top teams. During his five seasons, Booker captured three district championships, a regional championship and advanced to the FHSAA Final Four while averaging 20 wins per season. His success earned him multiple Florida Athletic Coaches Association Coach of the Year honors, Florida Association of Basketball Coaches Coach of the Year recognition and the Herald-Tribune Coach of the Year award.
Throughout his coaching career, Black has helped mentor numerous student-athletes who have gone on to earn All-America and All-Conference honors while several have reached the NBA, including Anthony Black, Jaylin Williams, Jordan Walsh, Nick Smith Jr. and Ricky Council IV.
Black earned a Master of Education in Recreation and Sports Management from the University of Arkansas in 2023 after graduating magna cum laude with a bachelor's degree in Graphic Design from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University in 2010.
