Western Michigan athletic director Kathy Beauregard announced the promotion of assistant coach Clayton Bates to head coach of the Broncos men’s basketball program late Saturday night via press release.
Bates, who has 16 total seasons in Kalamazoo since 2000, will replace the departing Steve Hawkins, who retired after 17 years at the helm and one NCAA tournament appearance (2014.)
“It is with great pride and enthusiasm that I have accepted the position of Head Coach of the Men’s Basketball program and Western Michigan University,” Bates said in a prepared statement. “I appreciate athletics director Beauregard’s trust and confidence.