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Ogden Today
By the People, for the People
Weber State hires Kaleb Canales as new basketball coach
Canales brings 18 years of NBA experience and a history of NCAA Tournament success to the Wildcats program.
Apr. 3, 2026 at 9:49pm
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The hiring of Kaleb Canales as Weber State's new basketball coach brings a burst of energy and high-level experience to the Wildcats program.Ogden TodayWeber State University has hired Kaleb Canales as its new men's basketball head coach. Canales, 47, was previously the associate head coach for Troy University, which reached the NCAA Tournament this past season. He also has 18 years of coaching experience in the NBA, including a stint as the interim head coach for the Portland Trail Blazers in 2011-12.
Why it matters
The hiring of Canales represents a significant investment by Weber State to elevate its men's basketball program, which has not reached the NCAA Tournament since 2016. Canales' extensive professional and collegiate coaching experience is expected to bring new energy and a winning pedigree to the Wildcats.
The details
Canales will replace Eric Duft, who transitioned into an executive role at Weber State after four seasons as the Wildcats' head coach. In his statement, Canales said he plans to build a 'connected' program on the court, in the classroom, and within the community. Weber State finished 16-16 (10-8 in the Big Sky Conference) this past season.
- Canales was hired as Weber State's new head coach on Friday, April 3, 2026.
- The Wildcats last reached the NCAA Tournament in 2016.
The players
Kaleb Canales
The 47-year-old Canales was previously the associate head coach for Troy University and has 18 years of coaching experience in the NBA, including a stint as the interim head coach for the Portland Trail Blazers in 2011-12.
Eric Duft
Duft transitioned into an executive role at Weber State after four seasons as the Wildcats' head coach.
Leslie Durham
The president of Weber State University.
Tim Crompton
The director of athletics at Weber State University.
What they’re saying
“I am truly honored and humbled to be named the head coach of Weber State men's basketball. We will build a culture that is connected on both ends of the floor, connected in the classroom, and connected to the community. This is a program with a proud tradition, a world-class institution, and a passionate fan base. I'm ready to get to work.”
— Kaleb Canales, New Weber State Men's Basketball Head Coach
“Kaleb's extensive background at the highest levels of the game, combined with his elite ability to evaluate and recruit talent, makes him an outstanding fit for our program. His infectious energy will resonate deeply with our fans.”
— Tim Crompton, Weber State Director of Athletics
What’s next
Canales will begin assembling his coaching staff and recruiting players to Weber State as he looks to lead the Wildcats back to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2016.
The takeaway
The hiring of Kaleb Canales as Weber State's new men's basketball head coach represents a significant investment by the university to elevate its program and return to the NCAA Tournament. Canales' extensive professional and collegiate coaching experience, combined with his stated vision for building a 'connected' program, has generated excitement among Wildcats fans about the future of the team.
