Sometimes the most game-changing coaching decisions don't make big headlines, but they can completely alter the landscape of college basketball. These under-the-radar coaching moves are quietly reshaping programs and could have ripple effects all season long. But here’s where it gets controversial: should we pay more attention to these seemingly minor hires? Let’s dive into four coaching changes for the 2025–26 college basketball season that you might have overlooked — but definitely shouldn’t.
Central Michigan Chippewas
In: Andy Bronkema
Out: Tony Barbee
At just 41 years old, Andy Bronkema is bringing a fresh yet gritty approach to Central Michigan, fueled by a winning mindset. A former player at Cornerstone University, Bronkema’s coaching journey is anything but ordinary. He began coaching football at Grand Rapids Community College before fully committing to basketball at Ferris State. Over 11 successful seasons, he notched 278 victories, led his teams to seven NCAA Division II Tournament appearances, and even captured a national championship in the 2017–18 season. His recent teams have consistently posted 22 or more wins, including an impressive 25–9 campaign last year.
Meanwhile, Tony Barbee steps away after four seasons in charge, with no NCAA Tournament appearances to show for it. Interestingly, Barbee — once a guard at UMass — hasn’t made the NCAA Tournament once in his 12 years as a head coach, with his lone Big Dance appearance dating back to 2010 during his stint at UTEP. This stark contrast in postseason success raises the question: will Bronkema’s proven winning formula finally push Central Michigan to new heights?
VCU Rams
In: Phil Martelli Jr.
Out: Ryan Odom
A new Martelli is now at the helm of VCU, and this one is continuing a well-regarded basketball family legacy. Phil Martelli Jr., son of the renowned former St. Joseph’s coach, inherits the reins after two standout seasons at Bryant University. At just 44, he guided the Bulldogs to 43 wins across 68 games, including securing an America East Conference title and an NCAA Tournament berth. Martelli Jr. takes over from Ryan Odom, who departed for Virginia after Tony Bennett's retirement opened the head coach position there.
Odom himself comes from basketball royalty, being the son of Dave Odom, a respected former coach at Wake Forest. He leaves behind a VCU roster brimming with talent and tournament potential. The big question now: can Martelli Jr.’s blend of family tradition and fresh leadership steer the Rams deep into the Atlantic 10 title chase and beyond? And is this a case of continuity or a bold new direction?
Wofford Terriers
In: Kevin Giltner
Out: Dwight Perry
Wofford is turning back to its own roots with the return of former standout Kevin Giltner, who now takes on the head coaching role at just 34 years old. Giltner’s playing years at Wofford (2008–2012) forged a deep connection to the program, a bond he's further strengthened by serving as an assistant coach since 2014, plus gaining valuable experience at Virginia Tech. His arrival comes after Dwight Perry’s surprising exit in September. Perry compiled a solid 48–43 record in three seasons and even led the Terriers to the NCAA Tournament last year.
Perry’s firing sparked quite a shock, given the team’s recent success, and interim coach Drew Gibson briefly stepped in before Wofford made the decisive move to appoint Giltner full time. This switch begs the question: will Giltner’s intimate knowledge of the program translate into sustained success, or was Perry’s dismissal premature? And how will Wofford’s identity evolve with this youthful leadership?
Saint Joseph’s Hawks
In: Steve Donahue
Out: Billy Lange
Returning to Philadelphia, Steve Donahue is stepping up as the new head coach of Saint Joseph’s, bringing not only a wealth of experience but also a strong connection to the local basketball scene. At 63, Donahue has helmed programs at Cornell, Boston College, and Penn, accumulating a career record of 331–344. His coaching highlights include leading Cornell to two NCAA Tournament wins and capturing an Ivy League championship. Prior to this promotion, he served as associate head coach under Billy Lange, who recently departed to join the New York Knicks’ front office.
Donahue becomes the 16th head coach in Hawks history, and many see his appointment as a stabilizing force for the program. But here’s the part most people miss: with a mixed record and a challenging coaching resume, can Donahue turn around Saint Joseph’s fortunes? Or does this move signal a more conservative, experience-driven approach for a program craving fresh energy?
These coaching changes might not have dominated headlines, but they inject new narratives and potential surprises into the 2025–26 college basketball season. What do you think — will these coaches live up to their potential, or are these moves overhyped? Share your thoughts and let’s get the conversation going.
