Tabor College has hired Matt Warren as their new head men’s basketball coach. Warren comes to Tabor from Warner University in Lake Wales, Fla., where he most recently served as the associate head coach of the Royals. Warren will begin his duties immediately.
“My family and I feel incredibly blessed that the Lord has led us to Tabor College and Hillsboro. We felt at home the moment we stepped on campus,” Warren said. “Tabor has everything a student athlete needs to thrive in their faith, academics and athletics, so I am eager to get to work on the court with our team. I want to thank President David Janzen, Athletic Director Marty Ziesemer and the search committee for giving me the opportunity to lead this prestigious program. I am excited for our program’s future and to represent the college! Go Bluejays!”
Warren began his coaching career in Florida at Indian River State College. He helped the Pioneers post an overall record of 22-7 during the 2011-12 season. It would be the first of two stints for Warren in Fort Pierce, Fla.
Warren made the move to the University of North Florida (NCAA D-I) where he served on the staff of Head Coach Matthew Driscoll from 2012-14. Warren served as the head manager and student coach, gaining valuable experience in assisting in various aspects of the Ospreys’ program.
After returning to Indian River for a year, Warren made his way to the Combine Academy in Orlando, Fla. Warren spent one year working with international players as the head coach and director of basketball operations of Combine Academy Red Star before transitioning into the Combine Academy general manager and head coach. His team finished 26-10 and placed third at the NACA National Prep Tournament.
In May 2017, Warren accepted a position on the men’s basketball staff at Warner University. Warren quickly moved into the role of associate head coach, helping the Royals to four-straight, 20-plus win seasons. Warren played a major role in three regular-season titles, three NAIA National Tournament berths and one NCCAA National Tournament appearance.
During his time at Warner, Warren was in charge of the defense, all scouting reports, offensive schemes and summer camps. He also brings extensive experience in budgeting, travel, recruiting and scheduling from his time with the Royals.
Warren has an Associate of Arts degree from Indian River State College (2012), a B.S. in Sports Management from the University of North Florida (2014), and a M.S. in Management from Warner University (2018).
Tabor College Marty Ziesemer is excited to have Warren lead the men’s program.
“On behalf of the search committee, we are pleased that Matt will be joining the Bluejay athletic family as our next men’s basketball coach,” Ziesemer said. “We were very impressed with his plan to develop and invest in our student-athletes not just on the basketball court, but in academics, faith and character or life in general. His experience as an associate head coach in a quality program such as Warner University, and being mentored under Warner coach Sean Hanrahan, will serve him well as he leads the Tabor College Bluejay men’s basketball program.”
What they are saying about Coach Warren:
“There are so many special moments that come to mind when I think of the time I have spent with Matt Warren. Three conference championships, countless road trips and recruiting events, but the most memorable are the shared opportunities we had to help young men find their faith and strengthen their resolve in Christ. I believe God puts people in my life, in all our lives, to help push us to be better. Better in every way. Coach Warren is one of those people. He has a veteran’s eye for talent, he is a great tactician and has an unlimited amount of positive energy. But my favorite talent is his ability to listen and respond with insight and humility. His wonderful wife Caitlin and son Mason are the perfect family for a head college coach. Many blessings, my friend!”
–Sean Hanrahan, head men’s basketball coach at Warner University
“Caitlin, Mason, and Matt Warren are going to make an immediate and positive impact on the Tabor College campus community from the start. Matt believes in the Proverb that work brings profit and mere talk leads to poverty. Matt has earned this opportunity and will hit the ground running, bringing your men’s basketball program to the upper echelon of the league quickly. Matt has always been that person that wasn’t concerned if he was planting or watering, he just wants the seed to grow, which demonstrates his servant’s heart. Congrats!!! Enjoy the journey!!!”
–Matthew Driscoll, head men’s basketball coach, University of North Florida
Tabor College is a Christ-centered institution and is located in Hillsboro, Kansas. The Bluejays participate in the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC) and are a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA).
