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Langston Today
By the People, for the People
Alabama State Hires Successful NAIA Coach for Men's Basketball
Chris Wright led Langston to two NAIA title game appearances in four seasons.
Apr. 11, 2026 at 1:10am
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The bold hiring of a proven NAIA coach signals Alabama State's ambition to elevate its men's basketball program to new heights.Langston TodayAlabama State University has hired Chris Wright as its new men's basketball coach. Wright comes from Langston University in Oklahoma, where he led the Lions to a 121-21 record and two NAIA tournament championship game appearances in four seasons as head coach.
Why it matters
Alabama State is looking to build on its recent success, which included the program's first-ever NCAA tournament victory in 2025. Wright's proven track record of winning at the NAIA level makes him an intriguing hire as the Hornets aim to compete for championships in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC).
The details
Wright replaces Tony Madlock, who left Alabama State after four seasons to rejoin the staff at Memphis. During his tenure, the Hornets won the SWAC tournament and recorded their first-ever NCAA tournament victory. Prior to Langston, Wright was the head coach at Talladega College, leading them to the NAIA tournament title game in 2022.
- Wright was hired as Alabama State's new men's basketball coach on April 11, 2026.
- At Langston, Wright led the Lions to records of 31-3, 35-2, 26-8 and 29-8 from 2022-23 to 2025-26.
The players
Chris Wright
The new head coach of the Alabama State men's basketball team, who previously led Langston University to two NAIA tournament championship game appearances.
Tony Madlock
The former head coach of the Alabama State men's basketball team, who left to rejoin the staff at Memphis after four seasons with the Hornets.
Jason Cable
The athletics director at Alabama State University, who praised Wright's proven record of success and alignment with the program's vision.
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.”
— Jason Cable, Athletics Director, 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
What’s next
Wright will begin recruiting and assembling his coaching staff as he looks to continue Alabama State's recent success and lead the Hornets to new heights in the SWAC.
The takeaway
Alabama State has made a bold move in hiring Chris Wright, a proven winner at the NAIA level, to lead its men's basketball program. His track record of building championship-caliber teams aligns with the Hornets' goal of sustained success and competing for titles in the SWAC.
