Sheldon Everett and Dana Ford have known each other for some time, as the two worked as assistant coaches at Tennessee State University during the 2011-12 season. That year, the Tigers finished above .500 for the first time since 1995-96 and won 20 games for the first time in 30 years.
After that season, Everett moved on to Miami University (Ohio) to serve as the director of basketball operations. He stayed in Ohio for five years, coordinating the recruiting efforts for the RedHawks and overseeing the development of the guards.
During those years, Ford excelled as an assistant coach and became the youngest head coach in college basketball at 29.