Marian is staying within the family, naming Matt Sobieralski as its new boys basketball head coach. The news was first reported by Sports Michiana Monday afternoon.

Sobieralski is a Marian alum and has spent the last 16 years as an assistant coach for the Knights.

“I am excited for this opportunity and want to make sure that we continue to grow the program on and off the court,” Sobieralski said in a statement released by Marian. “This school shaped who I am today, and I am eager to give back to our student-athletes by fostering a culture of hard work, integrity, and excellence both on and off the court.”

He succeeds his longtime mentor Robb Berger, who was not retained as head coach following an altercation between former star player Demetrius Jackson and a senior player on the Marian team during a practice leading into regionals this past March. Berger was suspended for the regional game and Sobieralski filled in as acting head coach.

Sobieralski has been an English teacher at Marian for the last eight years. He’s been assistant head coach at Marian for the last three seasons.

“Coach Sobieralski was chosen following an extensive search by a selection committee and has proven his professional dedication and unique perspective as a former student-athlete at Marian,” Marian Athletic Director Steve Ravotto said. “With his expertise, he will continue to build on our past successes as he brings a culture of new ideas to lead the next generation of Marian Knights.”

Marian is coming off a 17-8 season and sectional championship.