Western Michigan University parts ways with head men's basketball coach

Dwayne Stephens departs after four seasons at the helm of the Broncos program

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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Western Michigan University (WMU) has announced that they are parting ways with head men's basketball coach Dwayne Stephens. Stephens, who just completed his fourth season leading the Broncos, had a record of 42-84 during his tenure. WMU cited the evolving landscape of college athletics and the upcoming opening of a new basketball facility as reasons for seeking new leadership for the program.

Why it matters

The departure of Dwayne Stephens marks a significant change for the WMU men's basketball program, which had qualified for the MAC Tournament in back-to-back seasons under his guidance. The university is looking to take the program in a new direction as it prepares to open a state-of-the-art basketball facility.

The details

During Stephens' four seasons as head coach, the WMU men's basketball team recorded a program-best 3.59 GPA in the most recent fall semester and was ranked 6th nationally in Division I community service. However, the team's on-court performance struggled, finishing with a 42-84 overall record. WMU Vice President and Athletic Director Dan Bartholomae cited the evolving landscape of college athletics and the upcoming opening of a new basketball venue as factors in the decision to seek new leadership for the program.

  • Dwayne Stephens just completed his fourth season as head coach of the WMU men's basketball team.
  • The Broncos qualified for the MAC Tournament in back-to-back seasons during the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons under Stephens.

The players

Dwayne Stephens

The former head coach of the Western Michigan University men's basketball team, who just completed his fourth season leading the Broncos program.

Dan Bartholomae

The Vice President and Director of Athletics at Western Michigan University, who announced the decision to part ways with Dwayne Stephens as the Broncos' head coach.

Glenn Sugiyama

The Managing Partner of the DHR Global Sports Practice, who will assist Western Michigan University in their search for a new head men's basketball coach.

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What they’re saying

“Coach Stephens has elevated our men's basketball program in many ways during his tenure as our Head Coach. He has represented our Broncos with integrity and class, and we are grateful for his contributions. As the world of intercollegiate athletics continues to evolve, and as we anticipate the opening of the finest basketball training and competition venue in the Country, we believe it is in our best interests to seek new leadership and direction for our program. These decisions are challenging, and we will move forward with a focus on championship level success in an exciting new home environment.”

— Dan Bartholomae, Vice President/Director of Athletics, Western Michigan University (wwmt.com)

What’s next

Western Michigan University has hired Glenn Sugiyama of the DHR Global Sports Practice to assist in the search for a new head men's basketball coach.

The takeaway

The departure of Dwayne Stephens as head coach of the Western Michigan University men's basketball team signals a shift in the program's direction as the university prepares to open a new state-of-the-art basketball facility. While Stephens elevated the team's academic and community service achievements, the Broncos struggled on the court during his four-year tenure, leading WMU to seek new leadership to guide the program to championship-level success in its exciting new home.