Macomb, IL -- (Sports Network) - Western Illinois introduced Jim Molinari as its new head men's basketball coach at a Friday morning press conference.

Molinari replaces Derek Thomas, who resigned March 11 after five seasons at the helm for the Leathernecks.

"Coach Molinari provides instant credibility in the region, in the state and also on a national basis," said Western Illinois athletic director Tim Van Alstine. "His educational background is exactly what we need. It mirrors our core value of educational excellence and we are very excited to have him on board."

The 14-year Division I head coaching veteran brings 28 years of coaching experience to the job, including stints as the head man at Northern Illinois (1989-1991), Bradley (1991-2002) and Minnesota (interim, 2006-07).

His coaching record sits at 223-186, and he comes to WIU after a one-year stint as an assistant at Ball State.

"This is the right fit," Molinari said. "Everyone I met has been open with me. I'm so excited and I have to battle the overwhelming feeling. The real excitement will come when you get in the middle of it all. It just feels right. I have called timeouts in the first four minutes of games when we're up 6-2 if things don't feel right, but this feels right."

The Leathernecks struggled to a 12-18 record this past season, including a 7-11 mark in Summit League play.