Justin Joyner has been named the next head coach of the Oregon State men’s basketball team, Vice President and Director of Athletics Scott Barnes announced on Wednesday.
“It is vitally important that we create momentum and an upward trajectory for this program,” Barnes said. “Our move to the new Pac-12 demands a leader like Justin who has an unmatched commitment, passion and energy. Justin will build a men’s basketball program all of Beaver Nation will be proud of. He is a relentless competitor and has a great pedigree, having coached under some of nation’s best coaches. He is a skilled communicator whose prioritizes connecting with the student athlete and advancing their holistic development. These qualities along with a strong recruiting acumen and record of success in player development makes Justin the right leader at this critical time in the program’s history.”
“Coach Joyner’s record of achievement and his extensive experience in winning programs position Oregon State’s men’s basketball program to excel as we launch the new Pac-12 Conference,” OSU President Jayathi Murthy said. “I am delighted to welcome him to OSU and to support the program’s future success.”
Joyner will come to Oregon State following two seasons as an assistant coach at Michigan under head coach Dusty May. The Wolverines are currently 29-2 on the year, and are ranked No. 3 in the AP poll. Joyner helped guide Michigan to a Big Ten conference regular season title, and the No. 1 seed in the conference tournament.
“I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to coach Oregon State Men’s Basketball,” Joyner said. “Joining an athletic department that aligns with my beliefs and values is a dream come true. I am very thankful to Athletic Director Scott Barnes and President Murthy for this special opportunity. My wife Tracy and our daughter Weslee are excited to ingrain ourselves into the University and the Corvallis community whole heartedly. I come to Oregon State ready to empower our student athletes to chase greatness both on and off the court. Go Beavs!”
Overall, Joyner has a record of 56-12 in his two years at Michigan. The Wolverines finished the 2024-25 season tied for second in the Big Ten on their way to winning the conference tournament. Michigan proceeded to beat UC San Diego and Texas A&M in the NCAA Tournament before falling to No. 1 seed Auburn in the Sweet 16. Vladislav Goldin and Danny Wolf earned 2025 All-Big Ten Honors.
“Justin has one of the best young minds in coaching,” said May. “His ability to teach the game, connect with players and build a program the right way makes him a tremendous fit at Oregon State. He sacrificed a lot over the last two years to help build what we have at Michigan, and we are incredibly grateful. We’re excited for this opportunity for Justin, Tracy and Weslee, and I know he’s going to do a terrific job leading the Beavers.”
Coach Joyner will be introduced in a press conference in Corvallis on Monday.
Joyner’s appointment is contingent on the completion of all university hiring processes.
Prior to his time at Michigan, Joyner spent seven seasons on the Saint Mary’s coaching staff, under legendary head coach Randy Bennett.
Bennett appointed Joyner as the associate head coach for the 2022-23 campaign after four successful seasons as an assistant and one as director of operations. During his two-years as associate head coach, Joyner played a crucial role, guiding the Gaels to an impressive 53-16 record. He helped the team win two West Coast Conference (WCC) regular season titles, the 2024 WCC Tournament title, and made two consecutive appearances in the NCAA Tournament. The Gaels also recorded a WCC Tournament title in 2019 with Joyner as an assistant coach.
“Justin Joyner has many outstanding qualities, but the two that I believe will be keys to success at Oregon State are his recruiting ability and his competitiveness,” Bennett said. “Justin has a strong ability to recruit high level talent, and that should continue in Corvallis. Justin has also won at every level he’s played and coached at, and that drives his competitiveness and his hunger to win.”
During Joyner’s seven seasons under Bennett, the Gaels achieved a 171-60 record, with an 83-24 mark in WCC play. The team had six seasons with 20 or more wins, including a 30-6 mark in the 2017-18 campaign. Overall, Saint Mary’s maintained a winning percentage of nearly 75 percent during Joyner’s tenure.
Saint Mary’s made six postseason trips with Joyner on staff, including four NCAA Tournament appearances. The Gaels made two appearances in the NIT in 2018 and 2021, advancing to the quarterfinals in 2018.
Joyner mentored several players who received WCC honors. Jock Landale and Augustas Marciulionis were both named WCC Player of the Year in 2018 and 2024, respectively. Logan Johnson (2023) and Mitchell Saxen (2024) were named WCC Defensive Player of the Year in consecutive years, while Tommy Kuhse was named the 2022 WCC Sixth Man of the Year. Overall, 13 Gaels players earned 21 All-WCC honors under Joyner’s guidance.
Joyner played college basketball at UC Santa Barbara (2006-11) for five seasons under the guidance of head coach Bob Williams. In his 112-game career, Joyner was a three-time captain and named to the 2007 All-Big West All-Freshman Team. He missed his 2008-09 season following wrist surgery.
Joyner played a pivotal role in helping the Gauchos win two Big West regular season titles (in 2008 and 2010) and back-to-back Big West Tournament titles (in 2010 and 2011), which gave UCSB two consecutive automatic bids to the NCAA Tournament. With two 20-plus win seasons, Joyner helped the Gauchos achieve a 77-48 record with a 40-24 conference mark throughout his career.
https://osubeavers.com/news/2026/3/11/mens-basketball-joyner-named-head-mens-basketball-coach
