Marian University has turned to a proven winner within the Crossroads League to lead its men's basketball program into a new era, hiring Steve Drabyn as its new head coach.

Drabyn arrives in Indianapolis after a highly successful seven-year stint at conference rival Bethel University, where he compiled an impressive 118-61 record. He guided the Pilots to the NAIA national tournament and a deep run in the 2026 National Christian College Athletic Association tournament, establishing a reputation for building competitive teams.

For Marian, the hire signals a strong commitment to revitalizing a Knights program that finished 5-23 last season following the early departure of former coach Pat Knight. Drabyn's deep Indiana roots—he was a 2000 Indiana All-Star at LaPorte High School and a college standout at Belmont—and his family connections to the Indianapolis area make this a natural homecoming.

"This is a professional opportunity for me at a great institution that has everything in place to be successful at a high level," Drabyn told the South Bend Tribune. "I'm completely at peace with my decision."

The move sets up intriguing future matchups in the competitive Crossroads League, as Drabyn now aims to rebuild Marian into a contender against his former team. His track record of winning and player development offers Knights fans renewed optimism for the seasons ahead.