NEW YORK — Tim Welsh was hired as men's basketball coach at Hofstra on Wednesday.

The former coach at Providence and Iona has spent the past two seasons as a commentator for ESPNU.

The school has called a news conference for Thursday to introduce Welsh.

Welsh replaces Tom Pecora, who took the job at Fordham last week. Pecora was 155-126 in nine seasons at Hofstra, with three straight NIT appearances from 2005-07.

Hofstra lost in the second round of the Colonial Athletic Association tournament. The Pride finished the season at 19-15.

Welsh spent 10 seasons at Providence, leading the Friars to the NCAA tournament in 2001 and 2004. His record was 145-126. At Iona, his record was 70-22, with one NCAA and two NIT appearances.

Hofstra joined the CAA in 2001 and while it has had success on the court, the Pride have not been able to reach the NCAA tournament as a member.