PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Providence has hired Keno Davis as its new coach, less than two weeks after Davis was honored as The Associated Press national coach of the year at Drake.

Davis won the award in his rookie year as a head coach. He took Drake to its first NCAA tournament since 1971, and led the Bulldogs to a school-record 28-5 record and their first national ranking in 33 years.

Providence made the announcement today. The hiring ends a protracted job search during which George Mason's Jim Larranaga and Massachusetts' Travis Ford turned down offers from the Friars.

Davis will replace Tim Welsh, who was fired last month after taking Providence to two NCAA tournament appearances in 10 seasons.