Reports: Oregon State to tab Michigan assistant Justin Joyner as coach

Oregon State is expected to hire Michigan assistant Justin Joyner as its next head coach, multiple media outlets reported on Wednesday.

Joyner effectively will replace head coach Wayne Tinkle. The university announced on Feb. 26 that it planned to part ways with Tinkle at the end of the 2025-26 season.

The Beavers (17-16, 9-9 West Coast Conference) saw their season come to an end with a 65-56 setback to Gonzaga on Monday in the semifinals of the conference tournament.

Oregon State hired Michigan assistant Justin Joyner as its new head coach on Wednesday.

Joyner effectively replaces head coach Wayne Tinkle. The university announced on Feb. 26 that it planned to part ways with Tinkle at the end of the 2025-26 season.

The Beavers (17-16, 9-9 West Coast Conference) saw their season come to an end with a 65-56 setback to Gonzaga on Monday in the semifinals of the conference tournament.

“It is vitally important that we create momentum and an upward trajectory for this program,” Oregon State athletic director Scott Barnes said in a statement. “Our move to the new Pac-12 demands a leader like Justin who has an unmatched commitment, passion and energy. Justin will build a men’s basketball program all of Beaver Nation will be proud of.

“He is a relentless competitor and has a great pedigree, having coached under some of nation’s best coaches. He is a skilled communicator whose prioritizes connecting with the student athlete and advancing their holistic development. These qualities along with a strong recruiting acumen and record of success in player development makes Justin the right leader at this critical time in the program’s history.”

Joyner, 38, is no stranger to the West Coast, having spent seven seasons at Saint Mary’s before working as an assistant with Dusty May in Michigan. Joyner’s wife, Tracy, is the women’s soccer coach at Oregon.

“I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to coach Oregon State men’s basketball,” Joyner said in the university’s announcement. “Joining an athletic department that aligns with my beliefs and values is a dream come true.

“I am very thankful to athletic director Scott Barnes and President (Jayathi) Murthy for this special opportunity. My wife Tracy and our daughter Weslee are excited to ingrain ourselves into the University and the Corvallis community whole heartedly. I come to Oregon State ready to empower our student athletes to chase greatness both on and off the court. Go Beavs!”

Tinkle completed his 12th season leading the Beavers, over which he has amassed a 177-206 record. He led Oregon State to just two NCAA Tournament appearances but made a famous run in one of them, taking the Beavers to the first Pac-12 tournament championship in program history and their first Elite Eight appearance since 1982 during the 2020-21 season.

Tinkle, 60, previously was the head coach at Montana, his alma mater, from 2006-14, leading the Grizzlies to NCAA Tournament appearances as the Big Sky Conference champion in 2010, 2012 and 2013.

–Field Level Media