Michigan forward Will Chatter (42) talks with assistant coach Justin Joiner during the second half against Washington at Chrysler Center in Ann Arbor, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025. Oregon State hired Michigan assistant Justin Joyner as its new head coach on Wednesday.
Joyner effectively replaces director Wayne Tinkle. The university announced Feb. 26 that it plans to part ways with Tinkle after the 2025-26 season.
The Beavers (17-16, 9-9 West Coast Conference) ended their season Monday with a 65-56 loss to Gonzaga in the conference tournament semifinals.
“It is very important to create momentum and an upward trajectory for this program,” Oregon State athletic director Scott Barnes said in a statement. “The transition to the new Pac-12 requires a leader like Justin with unmatched dedication, passion and energy. Justin will build a men’s basketball program that the entire Beaver Nation will be proud of.
“He is a tenacious competitor and has an outstanding track record of coaching under some of the best coaches in the country. He is a skilled communicator who prioritizes connecting with student-athletes and fostering their holistic development. These qualities, along with his strong recruiting acumen and track record of player development success, make Justin the right leader for this important time in our program’s history.”
Joyner, 38, is no stranger to the West Coast, having spent seven seasons at Saint Mary’s before working as an assistant for Dusty May at Michigan State. Joyner’s wife, Tracy, is the women’s soccer coach at Oregon.
“I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to coach Oregon State men’s basketball,” Joyner said in a university release. “Joining an athletics department that aligns with my beliefs and values is a dream come true.
“I am very grateful to Athletic Director Scott Barnes and President (Jayathi) Murthy for this special opportunity. My wife, Tracy, and my daughter, Weslee, are excited to become truly rooted in the University and the Corvallis community. I came to Oregon State to empower our student-athletes to pursue greatness on and off the court. Go Beavs!”
Tinkle completed his 12th season leading the Beavers, during which time he accumulated a 177-206 record. He led Oregon State to just two NCAA Tournament appearances but had a famous performance in one of them, taking the Beavers to their first Pac-12 Tournament championship in program history and their first Elite Eight appearance since 1982 during the 2020-21 season.
Tinkle, 60, was previously the head coach at his alma mater, Montana, from 2006 to 2014, leading the Grizzlies to NCAA Tournament appearances as Big Sky Conference champions in 2010, 2012 and 2013.
–Field level media
