Updated

Chattanooga has hired VCU assistant Will Wade as the Mocs' new men's basketball coach.

Athletic director David Blackburn announced the hiring Monday.

Wade had been with Shaka Smart at VCU the past four seasons where he helped the Rams to four straight postseason appearances, including a trip to the 2011 Final Four.

Now the native of Nashville, Tenn., becomes Chattanooga's 18th head coach all time.

Blackburn said in a statement that Wade distanced himself from a strong group of candidates with his role in VCU's success in the past four years. Blackburn says they feel Wade will take the Mocs back to a championship level.

Wade replaces John Shulman, who was fired last month with his last winning season in 2009 when he led the Mocs to the NCAA tournament.