Seattle University has announced that head men’s basketball coach Joe Callero has accepted the same position at Cal Poly.
“Joe has done an outstanding job building this program,” said Seattle U Director of Athletics Bill Hogan. “We thank Coach Callero for his passion in strengthening our athletics program and wish him success in his new role at Cal Poly.”
Callero spent eight years at Seattle University, tied with SeattleU Athletic Hall of Famer Al Brightman for the second-longest coaching tenure in program history. Only Brightman’s 180 victories are more than the 117 wins Callero picked up from the 2001-02 season to the just-completed 2008-09 campaign, including a personal-best 21 victories this past season as Seattle University began the transition to Division I.
“I want to thank all the current and former Seattle U players for their contributions to the men’s basketball program. SU has been a dream job for the past eight years. The January 1 game at KeyArena marked a special milestone in my career, as seeing all the legends back in the Key with alumni, boosters, and students celebrating fulfilled a lifelong vision,” Callero said. “In addition, I want to thank University President Father Steve Sundborg and Athletic Director Bill Hogan for their leadership. I’m confident the program is in great shape and will find an outstanding coach to continue the building process.”
“Joe was uniquely qualified to bring Seattle U Basketball back to Division I. We are enthused about our future and look forward to the challenge of attracting strong candidates to continue our momentum,” Hogan said.
A national search for Callero’s replacement will begin immediately.