Following a decade at the helm of the Fresno Pacific men’s basketball program that included numerous milestones, unparalleled growth, and unforgettable moments, Head Coach C.J. Haydock has announced that he is stepping away from coaching. FPU Athletics have begun a national search to name his replacement.
“I’m immensely grateful for the last decade of living out a childhood dream, and the experiences and relationships that came with that journey,” Haydock said. “I’m deeply indebted for every person that shared that journey, and particularly grateful for the assistant coaches and players who I’ve been so lucky to lead.”
A Fresno native and alumnus of Fresno Christian and Fresno Pacific, Haydock took over the program ahead of the 2016 season following one year as an assistant. In his ten seasons leading the Sunbirds, Haydock invested deeply in the development of his players both on and off the court, helping shape a program built around hard work, accountability, and care for one another. Under his stewardship, the men’s basketball program established a foundational value of “First Things Stay First” that prioritizes leadership, academics, relationships, holistic development, and team culture.
“C.J. has done an outstanding job leading our men’s basketball team for the past decade,” said FPU Director of Athletics Kyle Ferguson. “He built it into a program we are proud of, both competitively and in the way our student-athletes represent Fresno Pacific. More importantly, he has been committed to developing young men of character, and ultimately that is what matters most.”
Haydock became the winningest coach in the program’s 62-year history during the 2024-25 season and leaves with 109 career wins. Numerous recruits under Haydock would go on to have prolific careers as Sunbirds, with many entering their names into the program’s record books across numerous categories. Sixteen players and counting have gone on to play professionally overseas. His teams regularly recorded GPAs over 3.0 and averaged over 300 hours of community engagement and service each year.
“I’m ready for my family to get my best energy now,” Haydock reflected. “I’m exiting with my head held high knowing that our program is being left better than how we found it.”
In addition to his coaching role, Haydock served as Fresno Pacific’s Assistant Athletic Director of Development, leading fundraising and donor engagement efforts for Fresno Pacific Athletics, since 2024. Everyone at Fresno Pacific University wishes C.J. the very best on the next chapter of his journey and will remember his tenure, presence, and personality fondly.
“We will miss C.J. on campus as a coach, administrator, and friend,” added Ferguson. “As an alum, he is the best of FPU.”
