Alabama State Hires Acclaimed Coach Chris Wright as Hornets Head Basketball Coach

Wright brings a championship-driven approach to revitalize the Hornets program.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 10:58pm

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting a basketball game in motion, with the players and court broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes of vibrant colors, conveying a sense of raw energy and dynamism.The bold hiring of Coach Chris Wright signals a new era of championship-caliber basketball at Alabama State University.Langston Today

Alabama State University has hired Langston University coach Chris Wright to become the Hornets' next men's basketball head coach. Wright is a highly regarded coach with a strong background in developing winning programs, having led Langston to the NAIA National Championship game twice and multiple Sweet 16 appearances during his four-year tenure.

Why it matters

The hiring of Chris Wright signals a bold new direction for Alabama State Basketball, positioning the program as a consistent championship contender in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) and beyond. Wright's proven ability to transform programs, recruit and develop elite talent, and win at a national level makes him uniquely suited to lead the Hornets.

The details

Wright takes over the Hornets program after the departure of former head coach Tony Madlock. Alabama State's leadership, including Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics Dr. Jason Cable, moved quickly to interview a host of coaches from across the HBCU basketball landscape before selecting Wright as their top candidate.

  • On April 10, 2026, Alabama State University announced the hiring of Chris Wright as the new Head Coach of the Hornets Men's Basketball program.

The players

Chris Wright

An acclaimed coach with a proven track record of transforming programs and leading them to national success. He most recently served as the head coach at Langston University, where he compiled an extraordinary 121-21 record over four seasons, including two trips to the NAIA National Championship game.

Dr. Jason Cable

The Vice President and Director of Athletics at Alabama State University, who led the search and hiring process for the Hornets' new head basketball coach.

Dr. Quinton T. Ross Jr.

The President of Alabama State University, who expressed full confidence in the leadership and vision of the athletic department and the direction of the Hornets basketball program under Coach Wright.

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What they’re saying

“Chris Wright represents exactly what we were looking for - a proven winner, a builder of programs, and a leader who knows how to establish and sustain a championship culture.”

— Dr. Jason Cable, Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics, Alabama State University

“We are proud to continue our strong winning tradition as we welcome Coach Chris Wright to lead our men's basketball program. Our goal is clear: to compete at the highest level in the Southwestern Athletic Conference and beyond while developing champion, well-rounded student-athletes prepared for success in life.”

— Dr. Quinton T. Ross Jr., President, Alabama State University

“I am honored and excited to lead the Alabama State Men's Basketball program. This is a proud institution with a rich tradition and a passionate fan base. We will build a program that competes for championships every year, develops our student-athletes, and represents this university at the highest level. Our expectation is to win and to win the right way.”

— Chris Wright, Head Basketball Coach, Alabama State University

What’s next

Coach Wright will immediately begin assembling his coaching staff and recruiting players to build a championship-caliber roster for the Hornets.

The takeaway

The hiring of Chris Wright as the new head basketball coach at Alabama State University represents a significant investment in the program's future. With his proven track record of transforming programs and leading them to national success, Wright is poised to revitalize the Hornets and position them as a consistent contender in the SWAC and beyond.