The University of Providence has announced the hiring of Michael Claxton as the next Head Coach of the Argos men’s basketball program.

Claxton stated, “I am incredibly honored to be named the next Head Men’s Basketball Coach at the University of Providence. I want to extend my gratitude to the University of Providence Leadership and the search committee for their belief in my vision and experience. Our basketball program will be defined by a culture of high performance, both on the court and in the classroom. I am eager to get to work, build a team that reflects the values of this institution, and proudly represent and serve the Great Falls community.”

Claxton attended Chester High School in Chester, Mont. until 1995 before playing college basketball at Montana Tech, MSU-Billings, and MSU-Northern. Following his NAIA career, he had a few stints playing professional in Germany as well as the International Basketball League.

Following his playing career, Claxton coached at the Seattle Academy where he won four Emerald City League titles, including the school’s first boy’s basketball league title in 2009. Claxon earned the Emerald City League Coach of the Year in 2011 and in 2013 served as a head coach at the Jamal Crawford Summer Pro-Am Basketball League.

After coaching at the Seattle Academy, Claxton coached in Germany as the head coach of SC Rist Wedel for two years before coaching for Turow Zgorzelec in Poland and BC Prievidza in Slovakia. Following his coaching career overseas, Claxton accepted the head coach at Bozeman Gallatin High School where he led the school to their first every AA boy’s basketball State Championship in 2024 earning the Eastern AA Coach of the Year.

Athletic Director Dannette Swift stated, “We are excited to welcome Michael Claxton as the new Head Coach of our men’s basketball program. Michael’s commitment to excellence, leadership, and the holistic development of student-athletes aligns with the mission of the University of Providence. He brings a strong vision for building a championship-caliber program while fostering a culture rooted in accountability, discipline, and growth. We are confident Michael will have a tremendous impact as both a coach and mentor, helping our student-athletes succeed on the court, in the classroom, and throughout the Great Falls community.”

https://upargos.com/news/2026/5/5/michael-claxton-named-head-coach-of-argo-mens-basketball.aspx