NIAGARA UNIV, N.Y. - Niagara University has named Greg Paulus as the interim head coach of the Purple Eagles men's basketball team. Greg joined the Purple Eagles staff in May as assistant coach and recruiting coordinator, and he has been instrumental in building this incoming class for the team.

"Since coming to the NU campus, Greg has not only been an incredible asset to the men's basketball team, he has been a great leader for the athletic department and the campus community," said Simon Gray, director of athletics. "His experience as a player and a coach at the highest levels of Division I basketball, will be paramount as we continue to build our program."

Paulus replaces Patrick Beilein who stepped down from his position for personal reasons.

"We respect Patrick's request for privacy for him and his family. We wish the entire Beilein family well as they address these personal issues. We are excited to have Greg Paulus leading Purple Eagles basketball this season," Gray added.

Greg Paulus joined Niagara after working on the coaching staffs at George Washington University, University of Louisville, Ohio State University and Navy.

Most recently he was on the coaching staff at George Washington for the 2018-19 season and spent the 2017-18 season at Louisville where he helped the Cardinals to an NIT Quarterfinals appearance.

He served as an assistant coach for four seasons at Ohio State (2013-17) after serving as the program's video coordinator for two years (2011-13). During six years on the staff there, Paulus served as both offensive and defensive coordinator as Ohio State produced a 147-66 record and participated in the NCAA Tournament on four occasions, including playing in two NCAA Regional Finals and reaching the 2012 Final Four.

Paulus helped the Buckeyes sign top-10 recruiting classes in 2014 and 2015 and was recognized by college basketball national reporter Jeff Goodman as one of the nation's top assistant coaches in 2015. He began his coaching career as an assistant coach at the Naval Academy (2010-11).

Paulus had a successful four-year playing career at Duke University (2005-09). A three-year starter and two-time captain for Duke, he played on three ACC Championship teams and four NCAA Tournament teams, helping Duke to a combined 112-28 record while leading the team in assists in 2006, 2007 and 2008.

Paulus spent the 2009-10 season at Syracuse as a graduate student transfer on the football team where he was the starting quarterback and captain. He passed for 2,024 yards and 13 touchdowns in 12 games. His 67.7 completion percentage (193-of-285) is a Syracuse single-season record.

A native of Syracuse, N.Y., Greg and his wife, Megan, have a son named Preston.