Michael Cooper Named New Cal State LA Men's Basketball Coach

Former NBA champion and Defensive Player of the Year takes over Golden Eagles program.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 11:54am

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A cubist-style painting featuring fragmented, overlapping geometric shapes in shades of blue, red, and yellow, conceptually representing the strategic and intense nature of a basketball game or match.The appointment of Michael Cooper, a defensive stalwart during his NBA playing days, as the new Cal State LA men's basketball coach signals a new era of intensity and strategy for the Golden Eagles program.Pasadena Today

Michael Cooper, a former NBA player and Hall of Famer, has been named the new head coach of the Cal State Los Angeles men's basketball team. Cooper, who played for the Los Angeles Lakers in the 1980s, succeeds Jim Saia, who is retiring after 10 seasons with the Golden Eagles.

Why it matters

Cooper brings a wealth of coaching experience at both the professional and collegiate levels, including leading the WNBA's Los Angeles Sparks to two championships. His defensive prowess as a player and successful track record as a coach make him an exciting hire for the Cal State LA program.

The details

Cooper, a Pasadena native, was drafted by the Lakers in 1978 and played 12 seasons in the NBA, winning five championships. He was known for his tenacious defense and was a five-time NBA All-Defensive First Team selection, as well as the 1987 Defensive Player of the Year. After retiring as a player, Cooper has coached at various levels, including stints with the Lakers, Sparks, Nuggets, and several college teams.

  • Cooper was introduced as the new Cal State LA head coach on Wednesday, April 9, 2026.
  • He will be taking over the program from Jim Saia, who announced the 2025-26 season would be his last with the Golden Eagles.
  • Saia had a 121-134 record in 10 seasons as the Cal State LA head coach, including a 9-18 record this past season.

The players

Michael Cooper

A former NBA player and Hall of Famer who has been named the new head coach of the Cal State Los Angeles men's basketball team. Cooper played for the Los Angeles Lakers in the 1980s, winning five championships, and was known for his tenacious defense, earning five NBA All-Defensive First Team selections and the 1987 Defensive Player of the Year award.

Jim Saia

The outgoing head coach of the Cal State Los Angeles men's basketball team, who had a 121-134 record in 10 seasons with the Golden Eagles, including a 9-18 record this past season.

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What they’re saying

“We are thrilled to have Michael Cooper lead our men's basketball program. His wealth of experience and proven track record of success make him the ideal candidate to take our team to new heights.”

— Cal State LA Athletic Director

What’s next

Cooper will begin his tenure as the new Cal State LA men's basketball coach immediately, with the goal of turning around the program and leading the Golden Eagles to their first conference championship and NCAA tournament appearance in several years.

The takeaway

The hiring of Michael Cooper, a Pasadena native and NBA legend, as the new Cal State LA men's basketball coach is an exciting move that brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success to the program. His defensive-minded approach and championship pedigree could be the spark the Golden Eagles need to become a force in their conference and beyond.