Mike Chalas enters his third season with the Gannon University men's basketball program in 2026-27 and his first as Associate Head Coach following his promotion in June 2026.
A two-time NCAA Division II National Champion, Chalas has been an integral part of championship programs at both Gannon University and Nova Southeastern University,
establishing a strong track record in player development, recruiting, and postseason success.
Since joining Gannon in April 2024, Chalas has helped guide the Golden Knights to a combined 61-10 record, two NCAA Tournament appearances, two PSAC Tournament Championships, and the 2026 NCAA Division II National Championship.
The 2025-26 season was historic for Gannon, as the Golden Knights finished 34-3 and captured the first team national championship in university history. Gannon claimed the NCAA Atlantic Region Championship before advancing to the Elite Eight and ultimately securing the national title in Indianapolis.
Player development has remained a central part of Chalas' impact at Gannon. During the 2025-26 national championship season, three Golden Knights earned All-PSAC West honors, including first-team selection Pace Prosser and second-team honorees Lucas Sekasi and Precious Idiaru. Prosser also earned NABC First Team All-District recognition, NABC All-America honors, and NCAA Division II Tournament MVP honors after leading Gannon's championship run. Prosser averaged 18.6 points per game and surpassed 1,000 career points during his sophomore season.
In his first season with the Golden Knights in 2024-25, Chalas helped the program to a 27-7 record, a PSAC Tournament Championship, and an appearance in the NCAA Atlantic Regional championship game. Three players earned All-PSAC West honors, with Ernest Shelton and Tasman Goodrick receiving first-team recognition and freshman Pace Prosser earning second-team honors. Shelton was also named NABC First Team All-District, while Goodrick earned NABC Second Team All-District recognition and D2CCA Second Team All-Region honors.
Across his first two seasons at Gannon, Chalas has contributed to the development of six All-Conference selections, three NABC All-District selections, and an NABC All-American. His responsibilities extend across recruiting, individual player development, scouting, game preparation, roster construction, and the daily operations of the program.
Prior to Gannon, Chalas spent three seasons (2021-24) at his alma mater, Nova Southeastern University, serving as an Assistant Coach and Director of Player Development under head coach Jim Crutchfield. During his tenure, the Sharks compiled a remarkable 99-4 record, captured three consecutive Sunshine State Conference Championships and NCAA South Region Championships, and made three consecutive NCAA Elite Eight appearances.
Nova Southeastern captured the 2023 NCAA Division II National Championship with a perfect 36-0 record and returned to the national championship game in 2024, finishing as national runner-up with a 32-3 record. The Sharks also advanced to the national semifinals in 2022 after completing a 31-1 season.
As Director of Player Development, Chalas worked closely with two NCAA Division II National Players of the Year, Sekou Sylla (2022) and RJ Sunahara (2023). His responsibilities emphasized individual skill development, player improvement, practice preparation, and the implementation of the program's offensive and defensive system.
Across five collegiate coaching seasons, Chalas has been part of programs that have combined for a 160-14 record, five NCAA Tournament appearances, four NCAA Elite Eight appearances, three NCAA National Championship game appearances, and two NCAA Division II National Championships.
Before entering collegiate coaching, Chalas founded Synergy Basketball Academy, a player development organization focused on individualized basketball instruction and skill development for athletes at various competitive levels, including high school and collegiate players.
Originally from Pembroke Pines, Florida, Chalas played collegiately at Indian River State College before transferring to Nova Southeastern, where he competed from 2014-16. As a senior, he started 19 games and finished second on the team in assists and third in three-point field goals.
Chalas earned his bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Nova Southeastern University and has pursued graduate studies in Gannon University's Master of Business Administration program.
He and his wife, Linda, reside in Erie, Pennsylvania, with their daughter, Lydia Michaela.
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