DHR Global Recruits Head Coach for Oregon State Men’s Basketball
March 31, 2026 – Talent advisory firm DHR Global has assisted in the recruitment of Justin Joyner as the next head coach of the Oregon State men’s basketball team. “It is vitally important that we create momentum and an upward trajectory for this program,” vice president and director of athletics Scott Barnes said. “Our move to the new Pac-12 demands a leader like Justin who has an unmatched commitment, passion and energy. Justin will build a men’s basketball program all of Beaver Nation will be proud of. He is a relentless competitor and has a great pedigree, having coached under some of nation’s best coaches. He is a skilled communicator who prioritizes connecting with the student athlete and advancing their holistic development. These qualities along with a strong recruiting acumen and record of success in player development makes Justin the right leader at this critical time in the program’s history.”
“Coach Joyner’s record of achievement and his extensive experience in winning programs position Oregon State’s men’s basketball program to excel as we launch the new Pac-12 Conference,” OSU president Jayathi Murthy said. “I am delighted to welcome him to OSU and to support the program’s future success.”
Mr. Joyner will come to Oregon State following two seasons as an assistant coach at Michigan under head coach Dusty May. Prior to his time at Michigan, he spent seven seasons on the Saint Mary’s coaching staff, under legendary head coach Randy Bennett. Mr. Bennett appointed Mr. Joyner as the associate head coach for the 2022-23 campaign after four successful seasons as an assistant and one as director of operations. During his two-years as associate head coach, Mr. Joyner played a crucial role, guiding the Gaels to an impressive 53-16 record.
“Justin Joyner has many outstanding qualities, but the two that I believe will be keys to success at Oregon State are his recruiting ability and his competitiveness,” Mr. Bennett said. “Justin has a strong ability to recruit high level talent, and that should continue in Corvallis. Justin has also won at every level he’s played and coached at, and that drives his competitiveness and his hunger to win.”
“I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to coach Oregon State Men’s Basketball,” Joyner said. “Joining an athletic department that aligns with my beliefs and values is a dream come true. I am very thankful to athletic director Scott Barnes and president Murthy for this special opportunity.”
DHR’s sports practice is a global specialty for the firm with capabilities on six continents across all sports-related organizations. These range from Fortune 500 companies and professional sports teams to public and private university athletics. The firm has overseen searches for the University of Pittsburgh, Colorado State University, Fresno State University, San Jose State, Kansas, Syracuse, and Quinnipiac University, among others.
Related: DHR Assists Temple University with Head Football Coach Search
Glenn Sugiyama is managing partner, global sports practice and North American marketing committee member. Since 2004, he has been placing talent in professional sports organizations and for the top academic institutions in the U.S. and around the world, including senior sports executives and head coaches. He is based in Chicago.
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Mr. Sugiyama also recently helped to recruit Joey Cantens as the 10th head basketball coach for Florida International University. “First and foremost, Joey is a winner – he’s won 84 percent of his games as a head coach over the past four years and has learned from some of the best and most respected coaches in the sport,” said Panthers’ director of athletics Scott Carr said. “His basketball acumen, passion for the game and the way he builds genuine relationships with his student-athletes and administration were evident in every conversation we had.”
Mr. Sugiyama also recently placed Kahil Fennell as the new head coach of the men’s basketball program at Western Michigan University. “As we set out to find our next head coach, we sought a leader who not only had experience working with some of basketball’s finest programs and coaches, but one who had also led his own program to new heights at the Division I level,” WMU vice president and director of athletics Dan Bartholomae said. “We also sought someone who would be a great community partner as we prepare for the most transformative event in the history of our athletics program. There is no question that Western Michigan University and the entire Southwest Michigan Community has found that leader in Kahil. His track record of recruiting, developing and connecting with student-athletes stood out, and his vision and leadership acumen was unmatched.”
Related: DHR Global Recruits Head Baseball Coach for Northwestern University
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
