The Sam Houston men’s basketball program has a new head coach. Director of Athletics Bobby Williams announced on Monday that Chris Mudge has been promoted to the position. Mudge has been with the program for 13 years and was most recently the associate head coach.
“I couldn’t be happier to name Chris Mudge as the next head coach for our basketball program,” Williams said. “While going through this process it became evident from everyone I spoke with that he was the right person for this job. He understands the culture that has been built here and what it’s going to take to succeed as we head to Conference USA.”
Mudge was the first hire to former head coach Jason Hooten’s staff in 2010 and played a big role in the team’s success during that time. He was instrumental in recruiting several key players over the years, including this year’s WAC Player of the Year Qua Grant and last season’s first team WAC selection Savion Flagg.
“None of this would be possible without the tremendous young men who have helped shape the winning culture of this program,” Mudge said. “I am proud to have been a part of helping these players grow as they have become amazing men, husbands and fathers.”
Mudge is a graduate of Stony Point High School and earned his bachelor’s degree in marketing from the University of Texas. He served as head manager, recruiting assistant, camp coordinator and assistant video coordinator for the Longhorn basketball team under head coach Rick Barnes. Mudge was also a graduate assistant with the Longhorns, where he worked with future NBA stars such as Kevin Durant, LaMarcus Aldridge and P.J. Tucker.
“When you get into coaching, you never know when your next move will occur,” he said. “My wife Lindsey has been very supportive of me and my profession. In the last 13 years we have built a family here and along with our three amazing kids, Huntsville has become our home. We are just so happy that the next step in our journey is right here.”
Mudge will be officially introduced at a press conference on Wednesday at 3 p.m. at Johnson Coliseum. All Bearkat fans are encouraged to attend and welcome Mudge as the new head coach. The press conference will also be streamed live on ESPN+.
