Reggie Theus Extends Contract With Bethune Cookman

Bethune Cookman men’s basketball has been on the upswing in the 2020’s. Since the 2021-2022 season, they’ve won more games with each passing season. Reggie Theus has been the face of the program since that time, and his relationship with the university will continue for a while longer.

The two-time NBA All-Star agreed to a three-year contract extension in late January, which will keep him in place as the head coach of the men’s basketball team.

In addition to his coaching duties, Theus was also named Vice President of Athletics as part of the arrangement.

Bethune-Cookman didn’t just extend Reggie Theus —
They promoted him.

What the move means for Wildcat athletics moving forward ⬇️

DETAILS: https://t.co/JcjDT75Bf6 pic.twitter.com/yILcUH9Vk1

— HBCU Gameday (@HBCUGameday) January 26, 2026

Theus has already worn multiple hats at the school, also serving as their Athletic Director for a few seasons. It was something he wasn’t necessarily prepared for.

“When they offered me the athletic director job it scared me,” Theus admitted. “But it also got me fired up because it was a challenge–something I never had any mindset to do. The coaching part, I knew I could do that with no problem.”

According to the school’s website, Theus is the only person to serve as both a head coach and an athletic director simultaneously at the Division I level.

Theus’ arrival at Bethune Cookman coincided with the HBCU’s transition from the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) to the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC).

When Theus took both jobs in 2021, he knew that his success would be defined by the people he had around him in each role.

“I’m a throwback to the 80’s,” Theus said. “Most of the AD’s back in the day were former athletes that took the job not because they had a lot of experience when they took over the job. It’s something you learn. There’s no great coaches without great staffs. Name me one great coach who doesn’t have a great staff.”

Theus’ Wildcats have had an up and down 2025-2026 campaign, with the program having to navigate the legal situation and eligibility of guard Doctor Bradley. The saga is still playing out, as the NCAA has appealed a court’s decision to issue an injunction to allow Bradley to play for Bethune Cookman this season.

The senior guard has been a strong contributor when he’s been on the floor and Theus has not been afraid to insert him into the lineup. Bradley is averaging around 21 minutes per game.

Arkansas-Pine Bluff transfer Doctor Bradley is transferring to Bethune-Cookman. Doctor is an NBA talent. There were a handful of NBA scouts inquiring about him this past season while he was playing for UAPB. @nolimitdoc35 @HBCUSports

— Basketball Scoop (@Bballscoop1) May 17, 2025

Before he set foot on Bethune Cookman’s campus, Theus made a couple of other stops in his college basketball coaching career. He spent two years at New Mexico State, compiling a 41-23 record while leading the school to an NCAA Tournament berth in 2006-2007.

A few years later, Theus took the head coaching job at Cal State Northridge, where he spent five seasons. He finished with a 53-105 record in that span.

Theus spent 13 years in the NBA, playing for the Chicago Bulls, Sacramento/Kansas City Kings, Atlanta Hawks, New Jersey Nets and Orlando Magic. He averaged over 18 points and six assists per game for his career.

The former NBA star also coached in the Big3 basketball league, winning Coach of the Year in 2022.