Mizzou hires Cuonzo Martin as next men’s basketball coach

Cuonzo Martin has been announced as the next men’s basketball coach at Mizzou, according to the University of Missouri.

“We are thrilled that Cuonzo is returning to the Midwest and that his family will now call Columbia home,” Mizzou athletic director Jim Sterk said. “From the outset of our search, our goal was to find a coach who had demonstrated success, academically and on the court, while also sharing our values and who can help to reignite interest in Mizzou Men’s Basketball among our fan base. I believe we found all of that and more with Cuonzo and I look forward to watching him compete for championships and postseason appearances for many years to come.”

Martin spent the last three seasons as the head men’s basketball coach at the University of California. Martin, 45, went 62-39 at Cal. He’s previously been the head coach at Tennessee and Missouri State. Previously, Martin was also a longtime assistant coach at Purdue. He is a native of East St. Louis.

He has a career record of 186-121 as a head coach in Division 1 college basketball.

Mizzou will introduce Martin to the public at 4 p.m. on Monday, March 20 at Mizzou Arena. Doors open to the general public at 3:30 p.m.