JOLIET, Ill. - Elmhurst College assistant basketball coach John Baines has been named the head men's basketball coach at the University of St. Francis in Joliet. 

Baines recently finished his 10th season as an assistant coach under Elmhurst head coach Mark Scherer. 

"John's been an integral part of building our men's basketball program at the College," said Scherer, who attended St. Francis' press conference announcing Baines' hiring. "He joined us shortly after graduating from college and he developed into a top-flight recruiter and a well-rounded coach. I feel very fortunate that we had an assistant coach of John's caliber for over 10 years."

The Bluejays compiled a 160-99 overall record in the 10 years that Baines served as an assistant coach under Scherer. Elmhurst won over 20 games in three of those 10 seasons and advanced to the NCAA Tournament twice. In Baines' first year as an assistant, the Bluejays posted 22-5 overall record, captured Elmhurst's first-ever CCIW Championship, and advanced to the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA Tournament. 

In addition to coaching basketball, Baines also served as the head coach of the women's golf team and the men's tennis team in his time at Elmhurst.

"We are all very happy for John as he begins his first head coaching job," said Scherer. "We wish him nothing but the best in this well-deserved opportunity."

A search for a new assistant coach at Elmhurst will begin shortly. 

To read the St. Francis press release on Baines' hiring, click here.