Alex Ireland

Position

Head Coach
Alma Mater

Kennesaw State
Graduation Year

2012
Email

aireland@daltonstate.edu

Alex Ireland joined the Dalton State Basketball program in 2017 as the lead assistant to legendary coach Tony Ingle. Following Ingle’s retirement, Ireland stepped into the role of Interim Head Coach for the 2018–19 season, guiding the Roadrunners to an 18–13 overall record and a 13–9 mark in Southern States Athletic Conference (SSAC) play. His leadership earned him the permanent position, becoming the second head coach in program history on March 14, 2019.

PATH TO DALTON STATE
Ireland returned to his home state in 2017 when Tony Ingle recruited him to Dalton State. In his first season, the Roadrunners went 25–9 and reached the NAIA National Championship, falling in a dramatic overtime loss to William Penn (Iowa).

As interim head coach in 2018–19, Ireland led the team to a solid 18–13 campaign. The following year, the Roadrunners soared to new heights, starting the season with a program-record seven straight wins and setting a new mark with 17 consecutive victories. Dalton State finished 30–3, won the SSAC Tournament Championship, and earned a #1 seed (#4 overall) in the NAIA Tournament—only to have their championship hopes dashed when the tournament was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The 2020–21 season was defined by pandemic-related disruptions and injuries, with the team battling through a 7–11 record despite limited roster availability. The challenges continued into 2021–22, as the Roadrunners posted a 14–16 record with a young and inconsistent lineup. Still, they showed grit, pushing several top-ranked teams to the brink—including a strong showing against eventual national finalist Talladega (Ala.).

In 2022–23, Dalton State returned to form with a 17–12 record and an 11–9 finish in SSAC play. They earned the #6 seed in the conference tournament, narrowly falling to Stillman (Ala.) in a game later forfeited by the Tigers due to an ineligible player.

The 2023–24 season saw flashes of brilliance, but inconsistency plagued the final stretch. After winning five of six midseason games, the Roadrunners dropped five of their last six, finishing 15–13.

The Roadrunners bounced back in emphatic fashion during the 2024–25 campaign, posting a stellar 24–7 overall record and a 15–3 mark in SSAC play, reclaiming their spot among the conference elite. Dalton State was unbeatable at home, finishing a perfect 14–0 in Bandy Gym, and showed resilience on the road with a 9–3 away record.

Ireland’s squad showcased depth, discipline, and dynamic scoring, notching key wins over ranked opponents including a statement victory against #9 Cumberlands (Ky.). The team’s balanced attack and defensive tenacity earned them a top seed in the SSAC Tournament and national recognition.

Achievements

SSAC Coach of the Year (2025)
SSAC Coach of Character (2025)
4 NAIA All-Americans
13 All-Conference selections
3 SSAC Players of the Year
- Omarion Smith - Defensive Player of the Year (2025)
- Franklin Almonte - Defensive Player of the Year (2024)
- Randy Bell - Player of the Year (2020)
4 Daktronics Scholar-Athletes
9 SSAC All-Academic team selections

Coaching Experience

Years	School	Position	Record
2019-Present	Dalton State	Head Coach	115-62
2018-2019	Dalton State	Interim Head Coach	18-13
2017-2018	Dalton State	Assistant Coach
2016-2017	UT Martin	Assistant Coach
2015-2016	Alcorn State	Assistant Coach
2013-2015	Valdosta State	Graduate Assistant
2012-2013	North Cobb Christian	Assistant Coach

Year-by-Year At Dalton State

Year	Record	Pct.	Conference	Record	Pct.	Finish
2024-2025	24-7	.774	Southern States	15-3	.883	1st
2023-2024	15-13	.536	Southern States	11-9	.550	6th
2022-2023	17-12	.586	Southern States	11-9	.550	6th
2021-2022	14-16	.467	Southern States	7-11	.389	7th
2020-2021	7-11	.389	Southern States	6-7	.462	5th
2019-2020	30-3	.909	Southern States	15-3	.833	2nd
2018-2019*	18-13	.581	Southern States	12-9	.571	5th

*Denotes season as Interim Head Coach