[2] At Providence's Central High School, Cooley played basketball and twice earned Rhode Island Player of the Year honors.

Matriculating to Stonehill College in Easton, Massachusetts, Cooley was required to take the SATs four times before the NCAA allowed him to play basketball there.

After spending one year at Providence without being able to play, Ricky Ledo declared for the 2013 NBA draft and was selected by the Minnesota Timberwolves, eventually being traded to the Dallas Mavericks.

Transfers Carson Desrosiers and sophomore forward Tyler Harris, were eligible to play their first season in black and white, having sat out the NCAA enforced one-year period.

However, in addition to former point guard Vincent Council's graduation and Ricky Ledo entering the draft, Sophomore point guard Kris Dunn faced another shoulder injury and had to sit out almost the entire year as a medical redshirt, Cleveland State transfer sophomore guard Junior Lamomba had to sit out the NCAA enforced one-year period, and incoming Freshmen Brandon Austin and Rodney Bullock were suspended for the entire season due to an unspecified violation of team rules.

Entering the Big East tournament, the Friars played as the fourth seed due to losing the tie-breaker with Xavier.

They defeated St. John's in the quarterfinals, Seton Hall in the semifinals, and Creighton in the thrilling final at Madison Square Garden, claiming PC's second tournament title in Big East history.

By winning the Big East tournament the team earned an automatic bid, removing any "bubble" fears.

The Friars lost 79–77, but in defeat, Bryce Cotton scored a career high 36 points, making him the fourth all-time leading scorer in Providence College basketball history.

Despite being heavy underdogs, Providence fought valiantly, only to be called for a controversial foul with 3.1 seconds left which led to two Ryan Arcidiacono free throws to seal a Villanova 63–61 victory.

Controversy again ensued for Ed Cooley's Friars, as the site of the game would be played in Columbus, Ohio, just 80 miles from Dayton's campus.

After Providence cut the lead to 44–41 with 6:43 left, Dayton would go on a 14–4 run over the next 5:08 and go on to win comfortably 66–53 to end the Friars season.

After the season, with star forward LaDontae Henton already graduating from the program, the other starting forward for the Friars, Tyler Harris, decided to explore a graduate season at the University of Auburn, and the Friars also lost highly regarded freshman Paschal Chukwu to Syracuse as a late transfer, a decision that surprised and confused Coach Cooley.

After the season, guard Kris Dunn and forward Ben Bentil declared for the 2016 NBA draft, where they were selected 5th overall by the Minnesota Timberwolves and 51st overall by the Boston Celtics, respectively.

In his sixth season, Cooley led the Friars to an overall record of 20–13, and went 10–8 in Big East play to finish in a four-way tie for third place.

In his seventh season, Cooley led the Friars to an overall record of 21–14, and went 10–8 in Big East play to finish in a three-way tie for third place.

[5] In his eighth season, Cooley led the Friars to an overall record of 18–16, and went 7–11 in Big East play to finish in a three-way tie for last place.

In his ninth season, Cooley led the Friars to an overall record of 19–12, and went 12–6 in Big East play to finish in fourth place, with three teams tied at the top of the table.

Due to the Dunkin’ Donuts Center becoming a state-sanctioned testing site for COVID-19, Providence played its home games with no spectators at the on-campus Mullaney Gymnasium at Alumni Hall.

Cooley led the Friars to the program's sixth Sweet 16 appearance, where they dropped a 66–61 game to Kansas, the eventual national champion.

In his twelfth and final season with Providence, Cooley was tasked with replacing major role players from the year prior.

Forwards Nate Watson, Justin Minaya & Noah Horchler - as well as guard Al Durham - graduated, and sharpshooter AJ Reeves declared for the NBA Draft.

On March 20, 2023, Cooley accepted an offer to become the new head coach of the Georgetown Hoyas men's basketball team.