ARCATA, Calif. – May 19, 2025 – Cal Poly Humboldt Athletics announced on Monday that Head Men's Basketball Coach Chris Tifft will be leaving the Lumberjack basketball program to accept a new opportunity as head coach at Cal State San Bernardino. After guiding the team to one of its most successful seasons in recent history, Coach Tifft will begin his tenure with the Coyotes in the 2025-26 season.

"While we bid farewell to Coach Tifft, we commend his exceptional contributions to Cal Poly Humboldt and our student‑athletes," said Dr. Nick Pettit, Executive Director of Athletics. "Under his leadership, the Lumberjacks delivered their strongest season since 2015-16 and reinvigorated our community both on and off campus."

During the 2024-25 season, Coach Tifft's squad posted a 18-11 overall record, including a 13-9 mark in conference play. The team earned a berth in the CCAA Tournament, highlighted by the first postseason victory since the 2015-16 season. Beyond the wins, the program emphasized academic and athletic excellence, boasting a cumulative 3.22 GPA and five All-Conference honorees, the most since 2014-15.

Cal Poly Humboldt will begin a search for the next head coach immediately. The department is seeking a leader who will continue to develop student-athletes, maintain high academic standards, and foster strong community and campus engagement that sustains the positive trajectory of the men's basketball program.