Just over a week since Barnaby Craddock was named the head coach of the Simon Fraser Red Leafs, the process has begun to find the next head coach of the Golden Bears Basketball program. 

Led by Director of Athletics Leah Pezer, the University of Alberta will be searching for a coach capable of leading and sustaining a high-performance basketball program, and has the ability to attract and retain the best student-athletes in Canada. Not only is on-court performance a focal point of the search, but so too is finding a coach responsible for creating a team culture that reflects the UofA's values including the holistic development of the student-athletes, engagement of alumni, and a program that positively contributes to the greater community.

"We are excited to open the search for the next head coach of Golden Bears Basketball; someone who shares our vision for a winning program and prioritizes the growth and success of our student-athletes as people, players, and leaders," said Pezer. "The Golden Bears Basketball program has a proud tradition, and we're committed to finding the right person to build on that foundation and take us to the next level."

The position will include traditional coaching duties, and also includes program planning, development and logistics, technical research and development, financial management, generation and stewardship of annual revenues, operating programming and sport camps, alumni development, public relations, athlete evaluation, and the supervision and/or mentorship of assistant coaches. 

"We're grateful for the years Barnaby spent leading this program and maintaining a competitive presence within Canada West and wish him the absolute best," says Pezer. "This transition also marks an exciting opportunity — one that allows us to reflect, refocus, and look ahead with clarity and excitement. We are committed to building on the program's strong foundation, while bringing in new leadership to elevate our goals, and push toward even greater success for our student-athletes and program."

The Golden Bears have won three U SPORTS Championships and 13 Canada West Championships in their history. Most recently, the Golden Bears earned a Canada West silver medal in 2022, and a U SPORTS bronze medal at Saville Centre later that same season. 

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The University of Alberta is committed to an equitable, diverse, and inclusive workforce. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women; First Nations, Métis and Inuit persons; members of visible minority groups; persons with disabilities; persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression; and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply.