The road to a dream job frequently takes unexpected detours. The journey of John Andrzejek, the new head coach of Campbell University’s men’s basketball program, his journey involved a surprising detour orchestrated, in part, by UC Riverside’s Mike Magpayo.
Andrzejek’s coveted position with the Fighting Camels was almost due to this seemingly unrelated connection, although indirectly. The story draws attention to the frequently hidden network of connections that shapes the collegiate basketball scene.
John Andrzejek’s Coaching Journey and Magpayo’s Influence
Andrzejek engaged himself in the complicated world of team management and strategy while working as a student manager at Columbia University before rapidly rising to the position of Director of Basketball Operations.
During this period, he collaborated with Magpayo, an assistant coach. Thanks to their connection during these early Columbia years, they established a collaboration that would last the entirety of their careers.
Magpayo’s ability to bring basketball programs back to life was also proven by his later coaching positions, such as working as an assistant coach at Campbell University from 2014 to 2017. His accomplishments at UC Riverside, which resulted in his hiring as head coach of Fordham, exhibited his leadership and strategic thinking.
With positions at San Francisco, Johns Hopkins, Dartmouth, Washington State, and most recently, Florida, Andrzejek’s coaching career grew. Among his many notable accomplishments during his time at Florida was helping the Gators’ 2025 National Championship victory. This achievement displayed his eligibility for a head coaching role.
Despite their differences, Andrzejek and Magpayo’s career paths show a commitment to quality and creativity in coaching. Their early collaboration at Columbia laid the foundation for their subsequent achievements and displayed how collegiate basketball career paths can be influenced by foundational relationships.
The Campbell Opportunity Shaped By an Unlikely Legacy From Magpayo
Andrzejek became the sixth person to be named head coach of Campbell University’s men’s basketball program in Division I history when he was hired in March 2025. In addition to Andrzejek’s excellent coaching background, the legacy of previous coaches like Mike Magpayo also played a role in this choice.
Magpayo set a benchmark for program development and success during his previous time at Campbell. His coaching techniques and methods impacted the organization, establishing a foundation on which Andrzejek could build.
Andrzejek’s familiarity with Campbell’s institutional culture and Magpayo’s tactics gave him a distinct edge.
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The Campbell community had high hopes about Andrzejek’s appointment and wanted to see him lead the program to new heights.
With the help of mentors like Magpayo and his different coaching background, Andrzejek is well-positioned to bring Campbell basketball into a new era.
Magpayo and Andrzejek’s crossing careers serve as an example of how the coaching industry is interconnected and how early collaborations can have a lasting effect. Magpayo’s legacy offers Andrzejek inspiration and an efficient success plan as he takes on the leadership of Campbell.
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