California Institute of Technology

Bryan Joel is taking the helm of Caltech Men’s Basketball as Head Coach entering the 2026-27 season, extending an extensive coaching career and returning to the campus where he donned a Beaver jersey as a player from 2011-2015.

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.

"Caltech basketball is one of the most special programs in the country," Joel said. "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."

During Joel's senior season as a player in 2014-15 Caltech Men’s Basketball achieved what was then its 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 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.