CMU men's basketball coach will not return for 2025-26 season
After four seasons, the search for a new head men's basketball coach begins
Central Michigan men's basketball head coach Tony Barbee yells at his players at McGuirk Arena, Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025. Barbee is in his fourth year coaching at CMU. (CM-Life | Mark Hoover)
After four years leading the Central Michigan men's basketball team, head coach Tony Barbee will not return for next season. According to a press release from Amy Folan, the director of athletics, a national search for a new head coach will begin.
“At this time, I have determined that we need to go in a different direction with the leadership of our men’s basketball program,” Folan said. “I want to thank Tony for his dedication and service during his last four years in Mount Pleasant. We wish him the best in his future endeavors."
This past season, the Chippewas went 14-17 overall and 7-11 in conference. CMU had a chance to qualify for the Mid-American Conference tournament but fell short after losing to Northern Illinois on senior night.
Barbee ends his coaching career at CMU with a 49-75 overall record and a 30-42 MAC record. Under his leadership, the Chippewas secured MAC Tournament appearances in 2021-22 and 2023-24. His best season came in 2023-24, when he led CMU to an 18-14 record and a fourth-place finish in the MAC with a 12-6 league record.
“I am confident that we will attract a high-caliber candidate pool during our head coaching search," Folan said. "This is a tremendous opportunity, and we know that our community will rally behind our next Chippewa men’s basketball coach.”
