LAS VEGAS — Justin Hutson said he will step down as Fresno State coach after the Bulldogs were eliminated from the Mountain West Conference men's basketball tournament on Thursday.
Hutson's contract is set to expire April 30 and the school did not extend it before the season. The 52-year-old did not win the MWC tournament championship in his six years in charge and never led the Bulldogs to the NCAA tournament.
Hutson, hired in 2018 after a successful career as an assistant coach at San Diego State and UNLV, had two 23-win seasons with Fresno State, including his first year with the team. He finished with a 92-94 record with the Bulldogs and went 12-21 and 11-20 in his final two seasons.
“I've talked to the administration,” Hutson said after the Bulldogs lost 87-75 to No. 18 Utah State in the quarterfinals of the MWC tournament. “It's a mutual decision. My contract ends in April. I want to express my gratitude to the previous administration. To the community. It's the right time. It's the right time. I'll be done until April.”
Senior guard Isaiah Pope, who transferred before this season from Utah Tech, said he appreciated Hutson.
“He put a lot of trust in me,” Pope said. “I relied a lot on him transferring here my senior year. It wasn't the season we wanted, but I learned a lot of lessons from him and he taught me a lot of things, too.”
Hutson grew up in nearby Bakersfield, California, and played at Cal State Bakersfield. He was part of a team that won two NCAA Division II championships. He is married to San Diego State University women's basketball head coach Stacie Terry-Hutson.
Hutson said he plans to stay at Fresno State as a consultant for the basketball team.
“Coach will definitely go down as my favorite coach I've ever played for,” senior guard Isaiah Hill said. “He just brings a lot to the table in terms of becoming a man off the court. He's just helped lead all of these guys, from the players to the staff. It means a lot to be able to come under his wing, learn the game and become a better player.” man.”
