Born in Indianapolis, Indiana, he emerged as a star dual-sport athlete in basketball and baseball at Arsenal Technical High School.

Garland was hired as the head coach and athletic director of the IUPUI Jaguars men's basketball team in 1979.

[2] Garland was the Indiana Athlete of the Year and led the basketball team to a regional title during his senior season.

[2] Garland played college basketball and baseball for the Purdue Boilermakers and earned All-Big Ten Conference honors for both sports.

[3] In 1967, Garland was hired to join the Indiana State Sycamores men's basketball team to serve as assistant coach.

[3] In 1979, Garland was appointed the head coach and athletic director of the IUPUI Jaguars men's basketball team.

[7] Garland stepped down as coach mid-way through the 1981–82 season due to health problems but continued to serve as athletic director.