Former Missouri coach Snyder to head up Austin Toros

COLUMBIA, Mo. -- Former Missouri coach Quin Snyder has been hired by the Austin Toros of the NBA Developmental League.

The minor league team announced Snyder's hiring Wednesday. The new coaching job marks the end of a 16-month hiatus for Snyder, who resigned from Missouri in February 2006 under pressure from athletic director Mike Alden.

Snyder, 40, replaces Dennis Johnson, the former NBA star who died from a heart attack on Feb. 22 after a team practice.

Snyder went 126-91 in seven seasons at Missouri, with four NCAA Tournament appearances, including a trip to the round of eight in 2002. But the Tigers were 42-42 his last three years. The handling of Snyder's midseason departure led to two university investigations and nearly cost Alden his job.

Snyder was an assistant coach at Duke, his alma mater, before being hired at Missouri in 1999. As a college player, Snyder helped the Blue Devils reach the Final Four in 1986, 1988 and 1989. He ranks third at Duke in career assists and was a two-time state player of the year at Mercer Island High School in Mercer Island, Wash.

The minor league job marks Snyder's second stint in professional basketball. He spent a year as an assistant coach and scout with the Los Angeles Clippers in 1992-93.