Reggie Theus has joined the growing number of big names moving to HBCU campuses and programs.
The former two-time NBA All-Star played in the league for 14 years for teams such as the Chicago Bulls, Kansas City/Sacramento Kings, and Atlanta Hawks. Then he moved into coaching. He was an assistant under Rick Pitino at Louisville and led the New Mexico State Aggies to the NCAA tournament in only his second year. Then he moved back to the NBA as the head coach of the Kings from 2007 – 2008.
Theus was also in sports broadcasting, calling games for the Lakers, Turner Sports and Sirius XM Radio.
He last coached at Cal State Northridge as the head coach of the men’s basketball team from 2013 – 2018.
Now Theus returns to the college ranks as both the athletic director and head men’s basketball coach at Bethune-Cookman University.
“I’ve had the great fortune of working in both professional and college sports most of my career, and being presented the opportunity to lead B-CU’s athletic department is another dream being fulfilled,” said Theus in a statement.
The 63-year-old Theus will be in charge of seven NCAA Division I men’s programs and eight women’s programs for the Wildcats, who left the MEAC after four decades to play in the SWAC.
For Theus, it’s a new challenge, one that was too good to pass up.
“The opportunity to continue to coach and reinvent myself as AD, how can you pass that up?” he said.
“There’s a learning curve for me. I’d be foolish to say I know everything about being an AD, because I don’t, but I know how to lead,” added Theus. “I know how to bring people together. I know how to speak on behalf of the university.”
And the university is thrilled to have him.
“The Wildcats could not be any more excited about Reggie Theus taking the lead,” said Interim President Hiram Powell. “We have a respected and beloved athletic program with a remarkable legacy, and like our peer institutions, our programs have been disrupted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Having Reggie launch our new season and directing the future of our athletes will take us to the next level.”
Theus joins big names such as Deion Sanders, Eddie George, Ta-Nehisi Coates and Nikole Hannah-Jones hired by HBCU schools.
“Becoming part of the family and culture of such a respected HBCU is the chance of a lifetime,” said Theus. “I am eager to share my professional sports experiences to take the Wildcats even further. I look forward to every moment of this new role.”
