The 2026-27 men's college basketball season is poised for significant shifts as numerous programs have seen major coaching changes. These transitions, from returning familiar faces to bringing in NBA experience, are expected to reshape the competitive landscape.
Will Wade has returned to LSU, the program he coached from 2017 to 2022 before his dismissal following NCAA violations. After a period away, Wade spent time at McNeese and NC State before being rehired by LSU. He has since assembled a roster featuring numerous transfers and veteran players.
North Carolina has hired former NBA coach Michael Malone to lead the Tar Heels. Malone, who was fired by the Denver Nuggets after the 2025 NBA season and spent a year as a broadcaster, brings over a decade of NBA coaching experience, including a championship in 2023, to one of college basketball's most storied programs.
At Michigan, assistant Mike Boynton Jr. has been promoted to head coach following Dusty May's departure to the NBA's Dallas Mavericks. Boynton Jr. received a two-year deal and has worked to retain players, though the team lost its top three scorers to the NBA Draft. He previously coached Oklahoma State for seven seasons.
Oregon has named Tony Stubblefield as interim head coach after Dana Altman's retirement. Stubblefield, who has been part of eight NCAA Tournament appearances during his previous tenure with the Ducks, is tasked with leading the team after a brief period as head coach at DePaul.
Randy Bennett has moved to Arizona State after 25 seasons as the head coach at Saint Mary's, where he led the Gaels to 12 NCAA Tournament appearances. He replaces Bobby Hurley, who coached the Sun Devils for 11 seasons. Bennett's resume includes seven West Coast Conference regular-season titles.
Cincinnati has appointed Jerrod Calhoun as its new head coach, bringing him to the Big 12 from Utah State. Calhoun guided the Aggies to a 55-15 record and two NCAA Tournament appearances in two seasons. Ben Jacobson will succeed Calhoun at Utah State.
Providence has hired Bryan Hodgson, who arrives after a successful one-year stint at South Florida, where he led the Bulls to a 25-9 record and an NCAA Tournament appearance. He has secured a commitment from highly-ranked recruit Lewis Uwvo.
Gerry McNamara, a former Syracuse player and assistant, is set to begin his first season as head coach of the Orange. McNamara played for Syracuse from 2002-06 and was part of the 2003 national championship team. He previously coached at Siena, winning a conference title and making an NCAA Tournament appearance.
Justin Gainey returns to NC State as head coach, having played for the program from 1996-2000. He joins the Wolfpack after serving as an assistant on Rick Barnes' staff at Tennessee.
Kansas State has named Casey Alexander as its new head coach. Alexander spent the last seven seasons at Belmont, achieving seven consecutive 20-win seasons and a 166-60 overall record. He takes over a Wildcats team looking to rebound after a 12-20 season.