Western Michigan University and head men’s basketball coach Dwayne Stephens have announced the promotion of Chris Fowler from assistant coach to associate head coach for the program.
“Chris is an unbelievable asset to our program,” Coach Stephens said. “Over the last two years, he has played an integral role in laying the foundation of what I want our program to be built on. He impacts our program in every area – from his leadership ability, to his development of young men, to the X’s and O’s, Chris is exceptional in so many ways. His future is bright and we look forward to the continuing impact Chris will have on our program in his new role as Associate Head Coach.”
In Fowler’s second season with the program, Western Michigan improved its conference win total by five over the prior campaign. The Broncos tied for sixth in the MAC standings and made their first appearance in Cleveland at the MAC Tournament since the 2016-17 season. Along the way, WMU won its first non-conference event since 2013 by winning its bracket of the Emerald Coast Classic in Niceville, Fla., and set single-game program records for points (127), three-pointers (18) and assists (34) in its final tune-up before MAC play.
During his first season, WMU hit 250 three-pointers, which was then the second-highest, single-season total in program history. The Broncos followed that up with 253 more triples in 2023-24, setting a new second-best mark in team history. Western Michigan has also led the MAC in offensive rebounding in each of his two campaigns on the sidelines.
With Fowler aiding in their development, Western Michigan has seen multiple backcourt players pick up accolades from the conference during his tenure. This past season, JaVaughn Hannah became just the third player in program history to be named the MAC Sixth Man of the Year. Each season has also included a Bronco guard picking up All-MAC Honorable Mention, with Lamar Norman Jr. earning the honor in 2022-23 after becoming the 45th player in program history to reach 1,000 career points for the Brown and Gold.
Off the court, the Broncos have elevated their work in the classroom as well, setting a new program record with a 3.41 GPA for the 2023-24 academic year.
“I want to thank Coach Stephens for the opportunity to become Associate Head Coach,” Fowler said. “I am humbled to be a part of this program and staff. I am excited to continue impacting our student-athletes on and off the court in this new role as we continue to build towards becoming MAC Champs.”
Western Michigan Men’s Basketball Promotes Chris Fowler to Associate Head Coach
