Tyler Ojanen has been named as an assistant coach with the Northern Arizona University men’s basketball program, interim head coach Shane Burcar announced on Monday.
“I am very excited to have Tyler join the staff here at NAU,” Burcar said. “The experience he brings to the table after being part of a program like St. Mary’s, which enjoyed tremendous postseason success, is an exciting dynamic. Tyler and his family are excited to arrive in Flagstaff and are looking forward to being a part of this great community.”
Ojanen heads to NAU after serving for one year as the Assistant Athletic Director of Men’s Basketball at Saint Mary’s College, which marked his second stint with the Gaels.
Prior to his administrative role at St. Mary’s, Ojanen was an assistant coach on the men’s basketball staff at San Jose State for three seasons (2014-17). The Spartans improved dramatically during Ojanen’s tenure as they improved their victory total seven-fold from his initial to final season in San Jose.
In Ojanen’s final season at San Jose State, the Spartans posted their highest victory total in Mountain West games since 2010-11 and the seven conference wins were the most for the program since 1996.
Ojanen also spent time with the St. Mary’s men’s basketball program from 2008-13 where he served as video coordinator during his initial season before being promoted to Director of Basketball Operations, a position he held for four seasons.
Ojanen also spent one season at Cal State East Bay as an assistant coach in 2013-14.
Ojanen began his career at Cortez High School in Phoenix from 2005-08. He was the head junior varsity basketball coach all three years and also served as an assistant coach with the varsity team.
A 2004 graduate of California Baptist University, Ojanen earned a degree in history and was a two-year starting guard for the Lancers.
Prior to his time at Cal Baptist, he competed at Phoenix College (2000-02) where he was a two-year starter.
NAU Basketball Tabs Tyler Ojanen Assistant Coach
