Baker Men’s Basketball Announces Coaching Transition
BALDWIN CITY, Kan. - Baker University has announced a transition in leadership of its men's basketball program as Sean Dooley has resigned after 14 seasons as head coach, while former Wildcats player and assistant coach Trent Scheer has been named the program's new head coach.
Dooley concludes a 14-year tenure at Baker after establishing himself as one of the most successful coaches in program history. During his time leading the Wildcats, Dooley guided BU to three straight NAIA Tournament appearances and a Heart of America Athletic Conference championship in 2024-25.
"I am incredibly grateful for my 14 years at Baker and for the opportunity to lead the men's basketball program," Dooley said. "While I am excited about what lies ahead, it is difficult to leave a place and a community that has meant so much to me. Baker has been an important part of my life, both personally and professionally, and I am grateful for the many memories, relationships and experiences I have had here. It has truly been an honor and a privilege to work alongside so many dedicated coaches, mentors and friends."
"I would also like to say a special 'thank you' to all of the Wildcat players and coaches for trusting me, believing in our vision and giving everything to the Baker men's basketball program. The wins were great, but what I will cherish most are the relationships we built together."
Over his 14 seasons, Dooley compiled a 215-199 record to rank third in Baker history in career victories. He led the Wildcats to three consecutive NAIA postseason appearances from 2022-23 through 2024-25, culminating in a historic 2024-25 season that saw BU finish 30-4, set a program record for wins, sweep the Heart regular-season and tournament championships, and advance to the NAIA Round of 16 for the first time in program history.
Dooley departs Baker to become the head boys basketball coach at Lawrence High School, where he will have the opportunity to coach one of his sons while also teaching at the school.
"I'm so excited that Coach Scheer will be returning to take over the program," Dooley added. "I can't wait to see the amazing things he, his coaches and players will accomplish in the future."
Scheer returns to Baker after spending the 2025-26 season as an assistant coach at Missouri Southern State University. He takes over the program after previously serving as both a player and coach under Dooley.
Following a four-year career as a player, Scheer began his coaching journey as a graduate assistant at Baker during the 2022-23 season before being promoted to a full-time assistant coach and offensive and recruiting coordinator in 2023. During his time on the BU coaching staff, Scheer was a part of the three consecutive NAIA postseason appearances, including a Round of 16 finish in 2025. Following the 2024-25 season, he was named the Heart Men's Basketball Assistant Coach of the Year.
"My family and I are thrilled to be back at Baker, a place that we consider our home away from home," Scheer said. "I want to thank President Jody Fournier for entrusting me with this incredible opportunity. I am both honored and grateful to be able to lead this program that has had such a significant impact on not only myself, but so many others. Baker is a special place with special people and we cannot wait to be back to help serve the community."
This past season, the Wildcats went 11-17 overall and 9-11 in conference play after having to rebuild most of its roster from the previous year's Round of 16 squad. Cam Jones was selected as Heart Freshman of the Year after averaging 14.9 points per game and 6.6 rebounds per game.
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