George Ireland was hired as the men's head basketball coach in 1951 and became the Loyla University athletic director in 1956. In 1963 he was made an associate professor of physical education. After 24 years as the men's head basketball coach Ireland resigned from that post in 1975 although he remained as the director of athletics, professor of physical education, and chairman of the physical education department until his retirement in 1978. Ireland was the first coach of a major college basketball program to use a line up of five African-American players and the first of a NCAA Division 1 team to include four African-Americans in the daily line up during Loyola's 1962-1963 NCAA Championship season.
From the description of George Ireland, Athletic Director, records, 1913-1978, (bulk 1951-1978). (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 708362586
