FORT MYERS, Fla. — Florida Gulf Coast University head men’s golf coach Andrew Danna is leaving Southwest Florida to take over the head coaching position at the University of Houston. FGCU Interim Director of Athletics Lauren Leister announced on Tuesday that a national search for Danna’s successor will begin immediately.
Danna departs Fort Myers following a highly successful seven-year tenure that culminated in the program’s first-ever ASUN Championship in 2026.
“We are grateful for Andrew and his leadership over the past seven years at FGCU,” Leister said in a statement to FGCU Athletics. “We wish him, Carey, and their family nothing but the best in their next journey.”
During his seven seasons with the Eagles, Danna engineered the most decorated stretch in the program’s Division I history, highlighted by three NCAA Tournament appearances over the last five years.
His tenure began with an historic turnaround, orchestrating a jump from a No. 257 national ranking to No. 65 by the end of the 2020-21 season—the largest single-season turnaround in NCAA golf history. A four-time ASUN Coach of the Year, Danna developed 17 All-ASUN golfers and coached two ASUN Individual Champions during his time with the Green and Blue.
“I want to express my deepest gratitude to Florida Gulf Coast University, the athletic department, my staff, and most importantly, my student-athletes for an incredible journey,” Danna told FGCU Athletics. “FGCU will always hold a special place in my heart. The relationships built, the championships won, and the young men developed here are something I will carry with me forever.”
Danna leaves behind a program built into a conference powerhouse, noting that the foundation is set for the next chapter.
“This program is in a great place, and I am proud of everything we built together,” Danna added.
In an introductory statement released by the University of Houston, Danna expressed his excitement about taking over the storied Cougars program.
“I have understood the rich history and tradition of the University of Houston Men’s Golf program from a very young age, and this is an incredible opportunity that I don’t take lightly. It is truly an honor to be named the head coach at Houston, and I want to thank Eddie, (Senior Deputy AD) Dave (Williams) and everybody at the University,” Danna said. “We can achieve incredible success here, and I look forward to hitting the ground running. I can be passionate and a high-energy guy, but above all, I am a players’ coach. I want to create a culture where our student-athletes can succeed in the classroom and on the course, and build a program of which our fans, our alumni, the University and the city of Houston can be proud.”
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