Staff Directory

Justin Joyner

Title:
Head Coach

Justin Joyner was named Oregon State head coach in March of 2026.

Joyner came to Oregon State following two seasons as an assistant coach at Michigan under head coach Dusty May. The Wolverines won the NCAA Tournament shortly after Joyner was tabbed to lead Oregon State, as he made trips back and forth across the country to fullfil his duties with both programs. Michigan ended the year 37-3, and entered the Tournament as a No. 1 seed. Joyner helped guide Michigan to a Big Ten conference regular season title, and the No. 1 seed in the conference tournament.

Overall, Joyner had a record of 64-13 in his two years at Michigan. The Wolverines finished the 2024-25 season tied for second in the Big Ten on their way to winning the conference tournament. Michigan proceeded to beat UC San Diego and Texas A&M in the NCAA Tournament before falling to No. 1 seed Auburn in the Sweet 16. Vladislav Goldin and Danny Wolf earned 2025 All-Big Ten Honors.

Prior to his time at Michigan, Joyner spent seven seasons on the Saint Mary’s coaching staff, under legendary head coach Randy Bennett.

Bennett appointed 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, Joyner played a crucial role, guiding the Gaels to an impressive 53-16 record. He helped the team win two West Coast Conference (WCC) regular season titles, the 2024 WCC Tournament title, and made two consecutive appearances in the NCAA Tournament. The Gaels also recorded a WCC Tournament title in 2019 with Joyner as an assistant coach.

During Joyner's seven seasons under Bennett, the Gaels achieved a 171-60 record, with an 83-24 mark in WCC play. The team had six seasons with 20 or more wins, including a 30-6 mark in the 2017-18 campaign. Overall, Saint Mary's maintained a winning percentage of nearly 75 percent during Joyner’s tenure.

Saint Mary's made six postseason trips with Joyner on staff, including four NCAA Tournament appearances. The Gaels made two appearances in the NIT in 2018 and 2021, advancing to the quarterfinals in 2018.

Joyner mentored several players who received WCC honors. Jock Landale and Augustas Marciulionis were both named WCC Player of the Year in 2018 and 2024, respectively. Logan Johnson (2023) and Mitchell Saxen (2024) were named WCC Defensive Player of the Year in consecutive years, while Tommy Kuhse was named the 2022 WCC Sixth Man of the Year. Overall, 13 Gaels players earned 21 All-WCC honors under Joyner's guidance.

Joyner played college basketball at UC Santa Barbara (2006-11) for five seasons under the guidance of head coach Bob Williams. In his 112-game career, Joyner was a three-time captain and named to the 2007 All-Big West All-Freshman Team. He missed his 2008-09 season following wrist surgery.

Joyner played a pivotal role in helping the Gauchos win two Big West regular season titles (in 2008 and 2010) and back-to-back Big West Tournament titles (in 2010 and 2011), which gave UCSB two consecutive automatic bids to the NCAA Tournament. With two 20-plus win seasons, Joyner helped the Gauchos achieve a 77-48 record with a 40-24 conference mark throughout his career.

Joyner is married to Tracy (Hamm), and the couple has a daughter, Weslee.