Ron Cottrell fired after 33 seasons at Houston Christian

The tenure of long-time Houston Christian (f/k/a Houston Baptist) head men’s basketball coach Ron Cottrell has come to an end, as the school announced Thursday that his contract will not be renewed. Cottrell went 523-515 overall, including time at the NAIA level.

“Houston Christian University, it’s athletes, friends and followers will be forever grateful or the career that Coach Cottrell has had here.” said AD Steve Moniaci. “He has impacted the lives of countless athletes in his role not just as basketball coach, but also as long-time athletic director for the past 34 years. We are truly indebted to him for his service, and we wish him and his family nothing but the best. He, and they, will always be a part of the fabric of HCU athletics.”

Cottrell was the head coach who relaunched the Huskies program back in 1990 when he was hired at just 29 years of age, coaching the team in NAIA competition until they moved back to Division I in 2008. He won nine Red River Conference titles and went to ten NAIA Tournaments, and also had two D-I postseason appearances (2016 CBI and 2017 CIT).

HCU has struggled lately, however, with its last winning season coming in 2016-17. This year’s team went just 6-23 overall and failed to qualify for the Southland Tournament.

“I will forever be indebted to, and grateful for, the terrific group of young men and their families who chose to be a part of our program throughout my time as a Husky,” Cottrell said in a statement. “Being ‘your coach’ always was one of the greatest honors of my life. I love you guys!”

credit to Houston Christian Athletics for the image