PASADENA, Calif. – Caltech Director of Athletics, Recreation and Instruction Terry Tumey has announced the hire of Bryan Joel for the position of Caltech Men's Basketball Head Coach.

"The spirit and pride for Caltech Athletics is evident with Joel, and that will be of benefit for not only our basketball program but for our entire community," Tumey said.

This will be Joel's second stint as a head basketball coach, as he served as Interim Head Coach of University of Chicago Men's Basketball from December 2022 to March 2023. Joel then served as an assistant coach at the United States Military Academy (Army) in West Point, N.Y. from July 2024 until his acceptance of the Caltech job. During his first season at West Point, Army achieved a 17-16 record including a 12-4 record at home and a 10-8 conference record.

"I am thrilled and honored to be the next Head Coach of Caltech Men's Basketball," Joel said.  "Caltech basketball is one of the most special programs in the country. The Caltech environment is an extraordinary blend of intellectual curiosity and determination, all in the context of a tight-knit community. The basketball program will reflect Caltech's values daily and prepare them for the rest of their lives. Our student-athletes will learn to elevate each other, carry themselves with integrity, and commit to learning and improving every day. We will embrace resilience and let our competitive spirit drive our work ethic and preparation." Joel expresses his gratitude to Director Tumey for his vision and shared enthusiasm, and to predecessor Coach Eslinger for his unyielding efforts for the program over the last 18 years.

Taking the helm at Caltech is a return home of sorts for Joel, who played on the Caltech men's basketball team from 2011 to 2015.

"It means so much to be back in Pasadena where I experienced the most formative years of my life and have the opportunity to lead the next generation of Caltech basketball through that themselves," Joel said. 

The team during Joel's senior season in 2014-15 achieved what was then Caltech's best SCIAC record in 44 years. Additionally, Joel is eighth all-time in program history for career assists (172) and fifth all-time in steals (125). At the time of his graduation, he was third and fourth on those lists, respectively.

"It's always gratifying to have one of your own come back and lead one of your programs," Tumey said.

Joel and the Beavers begin their season with a rivalry bout at Occidental College in Los Angeles Saturday, Nov. 7 at noon. The Beavers' home opener comes against Nebraska Wesleyan Saturday, Nov. 14 at 4:30 p.m. in Braun Gymnasium.