ORONO (AP) — Maine hired a winning basketball coach from a Division III college, hoping he can bring the same success to the Division I Black Bears.

Bob Walsh is a winner with a recruiting experience in New England and resume that includes Division I experience, including a stint as assistant coach at Providence College, said Seth Woodcock, who led UMaine’s search committee. In nine seasons, Walsh compiled a record of 204-63, and his team qualified for the Division III NCAA tournament for eight consecutive seasons.

Walsh also spent seven years as an assistant coach at Providence.

Maine fired coach Ted Woodward last month after a 6-23 season, officials said Wednesday.

“Coach Walsh is highly respected in the college basketball community and ready for the challenge of leading and rebuilding UMaine’s Division I program,” said athletic director Karlton Creech.

Walsh said in a statement Wednesday that he owes a debt to Rhode Island college’s athletic director and team for believing in him as a young coach. He said that now he has an opportunity “to try and build a championship program at the University of Maine.”

Last month, the Black Bears fired Woodward after a 6-23 season. Woodward was 117-178 over 10 seasons with the Black Bears.