WEST HARTFORD, Conn. – University of Hartford men's basketball associate head coach Chris Gerlufsen has accepted an assistant coaching position with the University of San Diego Toreros, head coach John Gallagher confirmed last week.

Gerlufsen just completed his ninth season on the Hawks' coaching staff. He was promoted to Associate Head Coach for the 2013-14 campaign prior to the start of Gallagher's fourth season. During his time at Hartford, his responsibilities included overseeing the development of perimeter and post players as well as serving as the staff's recruiting coordinator.

"I've known Chris Gerlufsen since he was 15," commented Gallagher. "Chris has become my right-hand man over the past few years. He is as loyal as the day is long and is a tireless worker. I am really proud of Chris on his journey to San Diego. I believe this is just the next step on his way to becoming a head coach."

Hartford won 114 games since Gerlufsen's arrival for the 2006-07 campaign. The Hawks posted a program-best 18 wins in Gerlufsen's second season in 2007-08 and to the title game of the America East Championships that year for the first time in program history. He was also a part of Hartford's first-ever Division I postseason bid in 2013 that featured an appearance in the CollegeInsider.com Tournament (CIT). With a 17-14 record, that season sparked back-to-back winning seasons for the Hawks, a first-time feat for the program, while the 34 victories amassed over 2012-13 and 2013-14 are the most in consecutive seasons in program history.

A Philadelphia, Pa., native, Gerlufsen was integral in signing some of the most highly-touted recruits in school history. Accountable for tapping into the Texas recruiting pipeline, he has attracted several quality basketball players hailing from the Lone Star State, including 1,000-point scorers Mark Nwakamma and Yolonzo Moore II. During his tenure at Hartford, Gerlufsen also helped implement a perimeter-oriented offense that has produced eight consecutive seasons with 225 or more made three-pointers, including a school- and America East-record 312 in 2007-08.

"I would like to thank President Walter Harrison and all of the administration at the University of Hartford for giving me the opportunity to spend the last nine years at this great institution," Gerlufsen exclaimed. "I will be forever grateful to head coach John Gallagher as well as all of the young men that I have recruited and coached during my time here. I know big things are in store for the program under the leadership of John Gallagher and Director of Athletics, Anton Goff. I look forward to following the Hartford program as it continues to make strides towards the ultimate goal of winning an America East Championship.

Gerlufsen joins Lamont Smith's staff at West Coast Conference member San Diego. Hired in April 2015, Smith returned to his alma mater by way of the University of New Mexico, where he was the Associate Head Coach the last two years. The Toreros went 15-16 last season, posting an 8-10 record in conference play.

Before joining the Hawks' staff in 2006, Gerlufsen spent five years as an assistant at The Citadel, working under head coach Pat Dennis. Joining the staff in 2000 as a graduate assistant coach, he worked his way to the top assistant spot by the 2003-04 season.

A 1998 graduate of Randolph-Macon College in Ashland, Va., Gerlufsen played for Hal Nunnally, who won over 400 career games. He ranked ninth all-time in steals for the Yellow Jackets and was a member of the team that was ranked third nationally in scoring defense.