BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — California State University, Bakersfield Athletics Department announced the new Head Coach for Men’s Basketball as Todd Lee.
CSUB said in a release, “Following a national search that fielded immense interest and a large pool of impressive candidates, Cal State University, Bakersfield President Dr. Vernon B. Harper Jr. and Acting Director of Athletics Dr. Sarah Tuohy are excited to announce the hiring of Todd Lee as the 10th head coach of the Roadrunner men’s basketball team.”
Lee helped lead the Runners to an NCAA Division II National Championship as an assistant coach.
Lee has nearly 40 years of coaching experience across both professional and multiple divisions of NCAA basketball.
“I am thrilled to announce that CSUB has selected the visionary leader and proven winner who will guide the Roadrunner men’s basketball team to a new era of excellence, integrity and pride,” said President Harper. “This is a proud day for our Athletics Program, the university and our community of supporters. Please join me in welcoming back Coach Lee and reminding him of the hospitality that makes Kern County the heart of California.”
CSUB said in the roughly 30 years since Lee helped then-Head Coach Pat Douglass guide CSUB to the 1997 NCAA national title, he has enjoyed successful stints as a head coach at both the Division I and Division II ranks. Lee also spent the last four seasons coaching Power 4 squads under Eric Musselman, most recently for two years at University of Southern California.
California State University, Bakersfield Athletics Department announced the new Head Coach for Men’s Basketball as Todd Lee. PHOTO: CSUB
“I have always wanted to be the Head Coach at CSUB,” said Lee. “I am very proud of the success the program has had in the past and all the great players and coaches that have been part of the program. I want our alumni, the university, the city of Bakersfield and all of Kern County to be proud of our program. I loved living in Bakersfield and can’t wait for our family to be part of the community again.”
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The search comes as Rod Barnes stepped away from the Cal State Bakersfield Men’s Basketball program after 14 seasons with the university. Barns made the decision in September 2025.