Randy Ayers joined the New Orleans Hornets as a the lead assistant coach in June 2011, after spending several years as assistant coach with NBA teams including the Orlando Magic and Washington Wizards. Earlier, Randy spent six-plus seasons as a member of the Philadelphia 76ers coaching staff and served as head coach of the Sixers in 2003-04, posting a 21-31 record (.404).

As top assistant under then-coach Larry Brown, Ayers helped guide the 76ers to five consecutive playoff appearances, including a trip to the NBA Finals in 2001. Known for his pressure-defense mindset and up-tempo style, Ayers joined the Sixers as the physical conditioning coach in June 1997 before earning a spot as an assistant coach in July 1998.

Prior to arriving in Philadelphia, Ayers spent eight seasons as head coach at The Ohio State University. He guided the Buckeyes to an overall record of 124-108 (.534), four post-season appearances and back-to-back Big Ten Championships in 1991 and 1992. Ayers was named National Coach of the Year in 1991 by both The Associated Press and Black Coaches Association. He led his 1991 squad to a school-record 27 victories and its first of two conference titles. Ayers received Big Ten Coach of the Year honors in both 1991 and 1992, after directing the Buckeyes to a school-record 15 conference victories in each season.

Ayers graduated from Miami (Ohio) in 1978 with a degree in education and later earned his master's of education degree in 1981. A native of Springfield, Ohio, he and his wife, Carol, have two sons, Ryan and Cameron.

Why Randy Ayers supports Jaden's Ladder...

"As the great Ohio State football coach Woody Hayes so rightly said it, You pay forward."