Chris Jans

Jans’ coaching career began in 1992 as an assistant coach at Elmhurst College, followed by assistant roles at Grand View College (1994-1996) and Idaho (1999-2001). His junior college head coaching tenure included Kirkwood (1996-1998), Independence Community College (1998-1999), Howard College (2001-2003), and Chipola College (2003-2004), culminating in an impressive 159-45 overall record. His first Division I head coaching appointment came in 2014 at Bowling Green, where he led the Falcons to 21 wins in his inaugural season, setting a program record for a first-year coach. He then returned to Wichita State as a special assistant from 2015-2017 and was recognized with the Joe B.

Hall National Coach of the Year award in 2015. In 2017, Jans was appointed head coach at New Mexico State, where he compiled an exceptional 122-32 record. His tenure included four regular-season WAC titles and three WAC Tournament championships. Jans led New Mexico State to 28 wins in his first year (2017-18) and a program-best 30 wins in 2018-19, achieving a perfect 16-0 WAC record in the 2019-20 season.

Jans was named head coach of the Mississippi State men’s basketball program in 2022. His career record at major schools stands at 206-84, reflecting an impressive .710 winning percentage.