O'Hara previously served as the head coach of the Cougars from 1996-2002 and as an assistant coach in 1995. During his seven years as the head coach of the program, O'Hara guided MVNU to a 554-226-5 overall record (.706 winning percentage) that included a 12th place finish out of 27 teams at the 2001 NAIA National Championship in Albuquerque, N.M. in 2001. He also coached one NAIA First Team All-American in Brian Bumgarner, who became the first player in school history to play in consecutive NAIA National Championships when he earned a spot in the 2002 field in O'Hara's final season.

After leaving MVNU, O'Hara spent three seasons as the men's and women's assistant coach at NCAA Division I Mercer University in Macon, Ga. During that time, he served as the head coach at two men’s tournament victories.

O'Hara, who is a graduate of both Mount Vernon High School and Mount Vernon Nazarene University and resides in Mount Vernon with his wife, Melanie, and his three boys (Aaron, Matthew, and Adam), played for the Cougars in 1976. He brings with him a wealth of golf knowledge and experience ranging from time as a caddie at the PGA Tour qualifying school to currently serving on the board of directors for the Ohio Public Golfers Association – a position he has held since 1997.

"We are excited that things have come full circle for Mike and that he is rejoining our staff,” said MVNU athletic director Paul Swanson. "He did an outstanding job during the time that he was here before, and he brings a passion for the sport and for the players to this position. We are confident that he will lead the team in a way that will represent MVNU well.”

"I am very excited and feel blessed to have the opportunity to return to coaching student-athletes,” said O'Hara, who takes over following five seasons at the helm by Mark Stiverson. "I hope to have a positive impact on not only the players' golf games but their personal lives as well. I feel my past experience at MVNU and at Mercer will carry over to continued success with our current players.”

The Cougars will get the fall portion of their schedule under way in September with a couple of tournaments. The main portion of the team’s schedule takes place in the spring.