Stetson University’s head coach, Donnie Jones, announced the hiring of Christian Webster as an assistant coach. Webster, who spent the previous season on the staff at Virginia Tech, brings a wealth of experience that could propel Stetson’s program to new heights.
This move comes from Stetson’s historic 2023-24 season, where the team made its first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance under Jones’ leadership.
Bringing Proven Power Conference Expertise to DeLand
Webster’s most recent role was as an assistant coach at Virginia Tech during the 2024-25 season, where he contributed to a team that showcased resilience in the competitive ACC. Before that, Webster became a rising star in coaching circles, earning recognition from the National Association of Basketball Coaches as a “30-under-30” honoree in 2017.
The accolade highlighted his potential early in his career, and his inclusion on ESPN’s 40-under-40 list in May 2020 further solidified his status as one of the brightest young minds in the sport.
Webster’s journey began at his alma mater, where he gained NCAA Tournament experience as a player and an assistant. After two seasons there, he took on his second Division I assistant coaching job at 25 with the UCF Knights during the 2015-16 season.
His ability to develop talent became evident during his time with the Crimson, where he coached Wesley Saunders to Ivy League Player of the Year honors in 2013-14 and Steve Moundou-Missi to Ivy League Defensive Player of the Year in 2014-15.
These achievements underscore Webster’s zeal for elevating players, a skill that could prove invaluable for Stetson as it looks to build on its recent momentum.
Aligning with Donnie Jones’ Vision for Sustained Success
Since taking over as head coach in March 2019, Jones has been the architect of Stetson’s resurgence. His tenure has been marked by steady progress, culminating in the 2023-24 season, when the Hatters secured their first NCAA Tournament berth.
The breakthrough came with a 22-13 record, evidence of Jones’ ability to maximize a roster. His career path, which includes head coaching stints at Marshall (2007-2010) and UCF (2010-2016), along with assistant roles at Florida and Dayton, mirrors the kind of upward trajectory he now seeks for Stetson.
Source: Stetson’s Donnie Jones has hired Christian Webster as an assistant coach.
Webster was on staff at Virginia Tech last season and brings significant power conference experience to the Atlantic Sun.
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) June 16, 2025
Jones’ decision to bring in Webster reflects a deliberate effort to complement his experience with a coach who brings a different skill set. While Jones has a history of building programs from the ground up, Webster offers a modern approach shaped by his time in power conferences.
Together, they could form a dynamic duo capable of attracting talent and refining strategies.
KEEP READING: Food Over Basketball? Dennis Clifford’s ACC Tournament Quote Still Has Fans Laughing
The 2023-24 NCAA Tournament run wasn’t a fluke; it resulted from years of groundwork by Jones. With Webster now on board, the focus shifts to maintaining that momentum. The Atlantic Sun Conference, while competitive, lacks the depth of major conferences, allowing Stetson to dominate if it can capitalize on this hire.
Webster’s track record of player development could help turn promising recruits into conference standouts, a critical step toward back-to-back tournament appearances.
Webster’s power conference background needs to mesh with the culture Jones has cultivated at Stetson.
If successful, this collaboration could attract attention from bigger programs, potentially elevating the Hatters’ profile further. The Atlantic Sun Conference might see a shift in power if Stetson can sustain its upward trajectory, forcing other teams to rethink their approaches.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in football, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, and baseball!
