University of Oklahoma head men’s basketball coach Lon Kruger announced Thursday that Chris Crutchfield has been promoted to associate head coach. Crutchfield has spent the past five seasons as an assistant for the Sooners.
During the past five campaigns, OU has compiled a 111-57 (.661) overall record and has advanced to the NCAA Tournament in four straight seasons, including the 2016 Final Four. In 2016, the Sooners racked up 29 victories on the season, which tied for sixth-most in program history.
“First of all, it’s a blessing and a great opportunity,” Crutchfield said. “I feel good that Coach Kruger has enough confidence in me to offer me that title, which comes with more responsibility. My family and I love being a part of the University of Oklahoma family and I look forward to what’s to come.”
An assistant coach for 15 years on the Division I level, Crutchfield was hired by Kruger in April 2011 as an assistant after spending four seasons at Oral Roberts University in the same capacity. Originally from Hopkinsville, Ky., he has also spent time as an assistant for TCU (2005-07) and New Mexico State (2001-05). Crutchfield also has head coaching experience. He served two seasons (1999-2001) at Tyler (Texas) Junior College as head coach after spending the previous two years as an Apaches’ assistant coach.
“Coach Crutchfield has so much experience and has such a good feel for all aspects of the game,” Kruger said. “During a time where there is turnover with our staff, it makes sense to show appreciation to that experience. Overall, I couldn’t be happier with our current staff, as Carlin (Hartman) and Kevin (Kruger) have come in and hit the ground running.”
Courtesy: Mitch Heckart / Oklahoma Associate Director of Communications
