UNC Wilmington names Peterson new head coach

WILMINGTON, N.C. -- Buzz Peterson is on the move again, this time taking over at UNC Wilmington and ending a second stint at Appalachian State that lasted just one season.

Peterson was introduced Friday afternoon as the Seahawks' ninth coach, ending the school's lengthy search to replace Benny Moss, who was reassigned within the athletic department in January.

"He has a track record of great success at every stop he's made," UNCW athletic director Kelly Mehrtens said of Peterson. "Buzz coaches with a lot of energy and passion, and has a great basketball pedigree."

Michael Jordan's college roommate at North Carolina, Peterson led Appalachian State to the 2000 NCAA tournament before leaving for Tulsa. After one year and an NIT title there, he moved to Tennessee, only to be fired after going 61-59 with no NCAA tournament appearances in four years.

Peterson then quickly took the coaching job at Coastal Carolina, but stayed there only two years before Jordan lured him to the NBA's Charlotte Bobcats to become director of player personnel.

He left that job last year to return to Appalachian State and led the Mountaineers to a 24-13 record, including a loss to Wofford in the Southern Conference title game.

But Peterson quickly began looking for other jobs after the season ended with a loss to Pacific in the semifinals of the CollegeInsider.com tournament.

He was offered Marshall's coaching position last week, but couldn't agree on a contract.

"We are incredibly disappointed with this development but wish him well," Appalachian State athletic director Charlie Cobb said. "I am confident that we will find the right coach to continue winning games, meet our championship aspirations and develop a program that positively reflects our great university."

Peterson takes over a Wilmington program which has fallen on hard times. The Seahawks went 9-22 last season and 7-25 in 2008-09.