RICHMOND, Ky. — Model Laboratory School at Eastern Kentucky University has named Dylan Barnes-Moran as the new Varsity Head Coach of the Boys Basketball program.
Barnes-Moran assumes the head coaching role following a successful 2025-26 season serving as Associate Head Coach for the Patriots. During that campaign, Model finished as 44th District Runner-Up and made its first 11th Region Tournament appearance in 11 years.
“This past season was one of the most successful we’ve had in school history,” Barnes-Moran said. “It was a great introduction to this specific team, and it was great to circle back and be back at Model. I am definitely going to try to build on that going into this season.”
Barnes-Moran returns to a place that has long held personal significance. Nearly a decade ago, while a student at Eastern Kentucky University, Barnes-Moran began coaching at Model and quickly developed a connection to the school and its community.
“I fell in love with Model and the community when I first coached here,” Barnes-Moran said. “I’m really excited. I wanted this job when I was 22, but I was way too young at the time. Having the opportunity to do it now, especially after being here for a year and already knowing the guys, we’re in a prime spot.”
Prior to rejoining Model, Barnes-Moran served as the Varsity Boys Basketball Head Coach at Nicholas County during the 2023-24 season, where his team finished as All “A” Region Runner-Up. His coaching journey began even earlier, however, during his senior year of high school when he coached his stepbrother’s sixth-grade team.
In addition to coaching, Barnes-Moran is an educator with a background in sports management, physical education and health, and special education.
Barnes-Moran emphasized that relationships and player development were key factors in his decision to pursue the position. When asked what his greatest reason to coach at Model, his answer was simple: “The kids.”
“I think the kids are fantastic,” Barnes-Moran said. “They all have a great work ethic outside of the gym, which translates to the gym. It’s a place where I want my kids to go to school.”
Having worked closely with the roster this past season, Barnes-Moran believes the program is well-positioned for continued success.
“I thoroughly enjoyed stepping back into a JV role,” Barnes-Moran said. “I really got to help develop a lot of the younger guys that may not have gotten a lot of varsity run last year but are going to get a ton of varsity run this year, which should make for a smooth transition. Three starters return, but everybody else I got to coach in JV last year.”
Barnes-Moran highlighted returning starters including Landon Mayo, Holt Cunningham, and John Bowling, while also pointing to a strong pipeline of developing players such as Lawson Perry, Preston Coots, and an incoming group of eighth graders and beyond.
Barnes-Moran’s philosophy is rooted in defense and tempo on the court.
“I’m a defensive-first coach. Any good team, you’ve got to be able to guard, you’ve got to be able to get stops, and you’ve got to set the tone physically on that end of the floor,” Barnes-Moran said. “We’ll be playing a lot of man-to-man, very tough, on the nose. We want to speed it up and control the chaos, as I like to call it. Their uncomfortable should be our comfortable.”
Offensively, Barnes-Moran aims to create a balanced and dynamic attack.
“Our goal is to have four guys averaging double figures that can beat you at any time,” Barnes-Moran said. “Our offense will be free flowing, where anybody has the opportunity to score. When I got to Nicholas County, I had the same goal, and we ended up winning the most games in 25 years.”
Looking ahead, Barnes-Moran has clear goals for the program’s continued growth.
“The goal for sure is to advance to the Region again. We also want to advance in the All A,” Barnes-Moran said. “The goal is to get where we’re not worried about who we draw; we’re only worried about ourselves.”
Barnes-Moran has taught for four years and currently works at Southern Middle School (Lexington) as a Special Education Teacher. Barnes-Moran lives in Richmond with his wife, Chelsea, and his son, Carter.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 18, 2026
