Trent Johnson resigns after two seasons at Cal State Northridge

Trent Johnson has stepped down as the head coach at Cal State Northridge after just two seasons at the helm. Johnson spent the 2021-22 season as interim head coach and was officially hired into the position just one year ago. The Matadors went a combined 14-48 during his tenure.

“It’s time, the game of basketball has been extremely good to me,” Johnson said in a statement. “I’m forever grateful for the players, parents, and coaches that have let me be a small part of their lives. I’m looking forward to what’s next, which will be driving my three beautiful granddaughters to karate, soccer, volleyball, dance, and many other activities. Again, thank you!”

Johnson was named head coach in July 2021 when previous head coach Mark Gottfried and staff were put on leave while the school investigated potential rules violations. Gottfried and company were eventually fired but the past couple years of uncertainty in the program have resulted in a dismal on-court product.

“We thank Coach Johnson for his dedication to Matador Athletics,” said CSUN AD Shawn Chin-Farrell. “We celebrate his storied career and support his decision to focus on his family.”

Johnson has been in college basketball for the better part of five decades, going back to his playing days at Boise State. He has 290 career victories as a head coach, with previous stints at TCU (2012-16), LSU (2008-12), Stanford (2004-08), and Nevada (1999-2004). He had been working at Cal for two years prior to when he was hired at CSUN in 2021.

credit to Cal State Northridge Athletics for the image