Fresno Pacific Director of Athletics Leslie Schuemann has announced that Chris Wright has resigned his position as head men’s basketball coach. Associate head coach Shane Rinner will take over the program and has been named interim head coach.
"I’m very thankful for the time I’ve spent here at Fresno Pacific," said Wright, who became the head coach in 2010 and served as an assistant for four years prior to that. "Eight years is a long time to be somewhere and I’ve enjoyed the success we’ve had on the court and the student-athletes whose lives have been positively impacted. I’ve poured my heart and soul into this program, but at this point I feel like it’s time to move on and pursue other opportunities. This is the best decision for me and my family."
In four years with Wright as the head coach, the FPU men’s basketball program posted an overall record of 67-53. As an assistant he was part of the winningest stretch in program history, from 2008-2010.
"We are thankful to Coach Wright for his service to the FPU men’s basketball program for the past eight years and respect his decision to step down at this time," said Schuemann. "We wish him all the best in the future."
"We are fortunate to have Shane Rinner on staff and ready to step in as interim head coach," said Schuemann. "I am confident in Shane’s ability to provide our student-athletes with the best possible experience and lead a successful NCAA Division II program going forward. "
Rinner brings a wealth of coaching experience and a strong reputation within the coaching world as he takes over the program. From 2009-2012 he served as the head coach of NCAA Division II Texas A&M International, leading the program to a school-record 21 wins in both the 2010-11 and 2011-12 seasons.
In 2010-11 Rinner guided the program to its first ever NCAA Division II tournament appearance. In addition, the Dustdevils received the Heartland Conference Scholastic Award after compiling a 3.10 team GPA. In his final season at TAMIU, he earned Heartland Conference Coach of the Year honors. Rinner then moved on to Fresno State, serving as the director of basketball operations for the women’s program in 2012-13.
Prior to his time at TAMIU, Rinner coached at the University of Alaska-Anchorage, one of the top NCAA Division II programs in the nation. He helped lead the Seawolves to three straight NCAA Tournament appearances, including a run to the 2008 Final Four. Rinner has also coached at Marshalltown (Iowa) Junior College (1998-99), NCAA Division I Liberty University in Virginia (1996-98), and Biola.
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