John Jay College Interim Director of Athletics Brandon Fieland announced the appointment of Associate Head Men’s Basketball Coach David Muchnick as Interim Head Coach, effective immediately.
Muchnick will serve as interim head coach until a permanent head coach is named this summer. He takes over for former head coach Ryan Hyland, who stepped down to take an assistant coaching position at Fordham University. No stranger to the program, Muchnick has been on staff for the past three seasons.
“Coach Muchnick has been a very effective associate head coach for our program, and I am confident he will do a great job in this role,” Fieland said. “He will provide leadership and guidance for our returning and recruited student-athletes.”
Having just completed his third season as associate head coach, Muchnick was also part of the coaching staff from 2017 to 2019. In both stints on the Bloodhounds’ bench, Muchnick was an integral part of some of the most successful seasons in men’s basketball history, including an ECAC Tournament appearance in 2018-19, and the program’s second-ever NCAA Tournament appearance in 2024-25 after winning the CUNYAC Championship.
“With tremendous humility and gratitude, I accept this promotion as current caretaker of the John Jay men’s basketball program,” stated Muchnick. “This program is so much larger than just one person – it’s built on the backs of all the successful alumni that have worn the Bloodhound uniform, along with our current and soon-to-be Bloodhounds who have even loftier goals than our recent 2024-25 CUNYAC Title and NCAA Tournament appearance. I’m thankful for the support of President Karol Mason, Interim VP for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs Daniel Matos, and Interim Athletic Director Brandon Fieland, along with former Head Coach Ryan Hyland, who I’ve shared so many amazing memories with in my five years at John Jay.”
Handling many of the program’s defensive and opponent scouting responsibilities, the Bloodhounds were nationally ranked in several statistical categories in 2024-25, including tied for third in Division III with 5.6 blocks per game, 18th in FG% defense (38.86%), and 27th in turnovers forced per game (17.1). Muchnick also helped lead the Bloodhounds to a 12-win improvement from 2023-24 to 2024-25, one of the most significant turnarounds in the country at any level.
“I am thrilled for Coach Muchnick to get the opportunity to lead the program during this time of transition, as he more than deserves it,” commented Hyland. “He has been an integral part of our success over the years and has impacted so many student-athletes and coaches in such profound ways. David has been so much more than a coach on our staff over the years. He, Elissa, and Milo are family. I’m first in line of many who are rooting for his success.”
Muchnick served as the interim head men’s basketball coach at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in 2014, leading the Mariners to a Landmark Conference semifinal appearance after transforming the team’s fortune from a 1-4 conference record upon taking over.
Muchnick just completed his 20th season as a college basketball coach, all at the NCAA Division III level, which includes additional head coaching experience as the Head Men’s Basketball Coach at Maine Maritime Academy from 2014-17. He also has had successful assistant coaching stints at NYU (2019-2022), USMMA (2010-14), Denison University (2008-10) and SUNY Cortland (2005-08).
“Now, the work carries on in ensuring our program continues its upward ascension, both regionally and nationally, for years to come. Let’s Go Bloodhounds!” Muchnick said.
“I have no doubt that David, with his work ethic and passion for the sport, and love for John Jay College, will set us up in preparation to defend the crown in 2025-26,” stated Fieland.
Muchnick resides in Long Island City, NY with his wife, Elissa, and his newborn son, Milo.
A national search will begin immediately for the permanent role.
