The college basketball coaching carousel for the 2025-26 season is already in full swing, with at least 26 coaching changes confirmed across various programs, and more expected in the coming weeks. This widespread turnover reflects the shifting landscape of college hoops, influenced by performance, program expectations, and broader institutional priorities. Below is a detailed overview of the notable coaching changes, hires, and firings that have defined this offseason so far, highlighting key programs and the outlooks for their futures.
### Oregon State Hires Justin Joyner
One of the most recent high-profile hires saw Oregon State fill its head coaching vacancy by bringing in Michigan assistant coach Justin Joyner. Joyner, 38, agreed to a five-year contract and will remain with the Wolverines through the conclusion of their NCAA Tournament run before fully transitioning to Oregon State. A former player at UC Santa Barbara and longtime assistant under Randy Bennett at Saint Mary’s, Joyner’s West Coast roots were a significant factor in his hiring. Oregon State, which will move to the revived Pac-12 Conference, is aiming to build a competitive program after parting ways with longtime coach Wayne Tinkle earlier this year.
### Early Coaching Changes in the Cycle
Other early hires in the cycle include:
- **San Diego**: The Toreros hired JR Blount, a young assistant from Iowa State known for his defensive acumen and exceptional work ethic. Blount’s hiring marks San Diego’s third full-time coaching hire this cycle, following Kansas City and North Florida. - **Kansas City**: Mark Turgeon, a veteran coach with extensive NCAA Tournament experience, was hired, representing a major coup for a program that has never made the NCAA Tournament. Turgeon brings a wealth of experience and local ties, having played at Kansas.
- **North Florida**: Bobby Kennen was promoted to head coach after Matt Driscoll’s departure. Although the team struggled recently, Kennen’s familiarity with the program is expected to help stabilize it.
### High-Major Firings and Departures
Several high-major programs have made significant coaching changes, often due to underperformance or program direction shifts:
- **Syracuse**: Following a disappointing 49-48 record under Adrian Autry and no NCAA Tournament appearances, Syracuse parted ways with Autry after just three seasons. Autry had taken over following the legendary Jim Boeheim’s retirement. The program now faces a critical juncture, with the new athletic director already vetting potential candidates, including notable names like Jim Boeheim-era assistants and successful mid-major coaches.
- **Georgia Tech**: Damon Stoudamire was dismissed after compiling a 42-55 record over three seasons. The program’s challenges include academic restrictions, limited NIL opportunities, and historical struggles. Georgia Tech is expected to pursue candidates with ties to the program or strong coaching resumes in mid-major leagues.
- **Boston College**: Earl Grant’s firing was anticipated, given the program’s prolonged struggles. Boston College ranks near the bottom of the Power Five in basketball success, hindered by minimal fan engagement and a lack of resources compared to other sports. The search will focus on candidates who can navigate these challenges and elevate the program within the ACC.
- **Providence**: Kim English will finish out the season before departing. The Friars face a tough rebuilding task after a disappointing record and recent blowout losses. Early coaching candidates include successful mid-major coaches and assistants with strong recruiting backgrounds.
- **Kansas State**: The firing of Jerome Tang has been particularly turbulent, as the university fired him for cause following a public postgame rant. Tang’s dismissal has sparked ongoing legal disputes over his contract buyout. Kansas State is already conducting a discreet search for a replacement, with Utah State’s Jarrod Calhoun reportedly a leading candidate, though budget constraints on NIL will be a key factor in the process.
### Mid-Major and Other Division I Coaching Changes
Beyond the power conferences, many mid-major and smaller Division I programs have also seen coaching changes:
- **Air Force**: Joe Scott, who had two tenures with the Falcons, was let go following an internal investigation into his conduct with players. The military academy presents one of the toughest coaching jobs due to its unique demands and recruiting limitations.
- **Eastern Michigan**: Stan Heath was dismissed after five seasons with a record of 57-98. Despite decent proximity to major basketball hubs, the program’s resources rank in the lower