Jarren Dyson, former Christopher Newport University assistant head coach and most recently associate head coach at Army West Point, was named head coach of the Captains on Wednesday. Christopher Newport Director of Athletics Kyle McMullin made the announcement.
Dyson, a native of Yorktown, Va., becomes just the fifth head coach in CNU men’s basketball history as the program heads into its 59th year.
“Coach Dyson brings the tireless work ethic of an excellent recruiter and elite basketball acumen to Christopher Newport,” McMullin said. “He is an excellent basketball coach with a passion for Christopher Newport and Hampton Roads. Coach Dyson’s time leading cadets at West Point provides additional expertise that will benefit our students and strengthen our ability to develop our athletes as students and leaders.”
Dyson succeeds John Krikorian, who led the Captains for the last 15 seasons. He returns to Christopher Newport following three seasons on the staff at Army, where he joined the staff at West Point in June of 2023 as an assistant coach, and was later promoted to associate head coach in August of last year.
“I am humbled and honored to be named men’s basketball coach at Christopher Newport,” Dyson said. “I would like to thank President Kelly, Director of Athletics Kyle McMullin, and the search committee for this tremendous opportunity. My family is excited to be back home and to be a part of this community. Christopher Newport basketball has been one of the most consistently successful programs in the country, and I look forward to continuing and building on that success.”
In two separate stints, Dyson spent a total of five years at Christopher Newport on Krikorian’s staff. He returned as assistant head coach in 2023 and helped guide CNU to the program’s first NCAA Division III National Championship.
The Tabb High School grad helped guide the Captains to two Final Fours (2016, 2023), three Sweet 16s, and four Coast-to-Coast Athletic Conference championships, with an overall record of 129-22. Dyson served as the recruiting coordinator on Krikorian’s staff, and was a key part of the recruitment of 10 all-conference players, two rookies of the year, three conference players of the year, and two first team All-Americans.
Before returning to CNU in 2023, Dyson spent five years on the staff of Fran O’Hanlon at Lafayette College. He helped lead the Leopards to back-to-back winning seasons for the first time in 20 years, winning the 2020-2021 Patriot League Central Division Championship. Serving as the recruiting coordinator, he aided in the recruitment and development of three Patriot League All Rookie selections, a Patriot League Rookie of the Year, and five All Patriot League selections.
Dyson’s coaching career began at his high school alma mater, Tabb High School, under former Christopher Newport standout Doug Baggett, where he was an assistant for two years. He helped lead the Tigers to the state quarterfinals each year.
As a student-athlete at Emory & Henry, Dyson started all four years, serving as a team captain for his final two seasons. He remains fourth all-time in assists at his alma mater and was selected as the team’s most valuable player following the 2009-10 season.
Dyson earned his Bachelor of Science in 2010, majoring in sport management with a minor in business management at Emory & Henry. During his playing days, Dyson was a standout member of the Tabb High School basketball team, earning second team all-state honors after leading Tabb to a state quarterfinal berth in 2006.
Dyson and his wife, Casey, have a daughter, Riley.
What They’re Saying About Jarren Dyson:
“I am incredibly excited about the future of CNU basketball under the direction of Jarren Dyson. Coach Dyson has had an impact on each one of CNU’s Final Fours over the last decade and has also been mentored by two of the most respected coaches in Division 1. He is a values-driven leader, a family and community man, and most importantly to me, a friend. This is a great hire for CNU and the Captains!” said John Krikorian, Christopher Newport men’s basketball head coach from 2010 to 2026, and currently Elon University’s assistant men’s basketball coach.
“Coach Dyson is a great leader, and builds strong relationships with his student-athletes. He possesses a strong work ethic and is a great role model. He’s a winner!” said Fran O’Hanlon, Lafayette College men’s basketball coach (1995-2022), currently Haverford College assistant men’s basketball coach.
“We are incredibly excited for Jarren and his family. He has made a tremendous impact on our cadet-athletes and our program, and Christopher Newport is getting an outstanding coach, leader, and person. We thank Jarren for all he has done for Army basketball and wish him great success as a head coach.” said Tom Theodorakis, Army West Point, director of athletics.
