Canisius hires Baron

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Baron

BUFFALO, N.Y. — Recently fired Rhode Island coach Jim Baron is returning to western New York after signing a five-year contract to take over the at Canisius.

This is a homecoming of sorts for the 58-year-old Baron, who spent nine years coaching at St. Bonaventure. Baron spent the past 11 seasons at Rhode Island, where he went 184-166 before being fired last month after a 7-24 finish.

Baron replaces Tom Parrotta, who was fired last month after a 5-25 finish and after going 64-121 over six seasons. The Golden Griffins have gone 114-217 over the past 11 years, including 60-138 in Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference games.

Baron has 390-367 career record, and earned two NCAA tournament berths, in 1991 at St. Francis, Pa., and in 2000 at St. Bonaventure.