Eric Musselman is leaving Arkansas to become head basketball coach at USC, the school announced Thursday.

The 59-year-old Musselman replaces Andy Enfield, who was hired last week as head coach at SMU. Musselman takes over a Trojans program that went 15-18 in 2023-24.

“We were determined to find the best coach to champion the development of our student-athletes and elevate our men’s basketball program,” USC athletics director Jennifer Cohen said. “(Musselman’s) track record of building winning programs and his unwavering commitment to a culture of excellence make him the perfect fit for USC. Eric displays heart, boldness, resiliency, and everything that it means to be a Trojan. He inspires togetherness and will help build and grow the program’s connectivity within the Trojan community.

“As we move to the Big Ten and enter a new chapter for USC men’s basketball, there is no better fit than Eric Musselman to launch our program to new heights.”

Musselman leaves Arkansas after posting a 111-59 record with three NCAA tournament berths in five seasons, including consecutive Elite Eight appearances in 2021 and 2022. The Razorbacks won 20 or more games in each of his first four seasons, but slipped to 16-17 this year.

Though born in Ohio, Musselman has spent much of his basketball career in the western United States. He played at the University of San Diego in the mid-1980s and also coached both the NBA’s Golden State Warriors and Sacramento Kings in addition to a highly-successful stint at Nevada — where he averaged 27.5 wins in four seasons — before he was hired by Arkansas in 2019.

“My family and I couldn’t be more excited for this incredible opportunity at USC,” Musselman said. “I am grateful to President (Carol) Folt and Jen Cohen for the chance to lead the men’s basketball program at such a world-class university with a rich tradition of success.

“We will be committed to the development of our student-athletes and upholding the values that make the Trojan Family so special. We will hit the ground running and work tirelessly to make our great alumni, fans and all of Los Angeles proud.”

Enfield was coach at USC for 11 seasons following a celebrated run at Florida Gulf Coast. The Trojans won 25 games and reached the Elite Eight in 2021, but won just one other NCAA tournament game during his tenure.

As Cohen noted, USC will join the Big Ten beginning next season. UCLA, Oregon and Washington join the Trojans in making the leap from the Pac-12.

It’s unclear which direction Arkansas might go for Musselman’s replacement. Just last week, athletics director Hunter Yurachek posted a humorous video on social media that seemed to indicate Musselman was staying in Fayetteville (though he later admitted the video was posted without consulting Musselman first).