Oral Roberts University has officially announced Kory Barnett as the 13th head coach of its men’s basketball program. Barnett spent the past season as an assistant coach at West Virginia under Darian DeVries, bringing enough coaching experience to the Golden Eagles.
Athletic Director Tim Johnson announced, emphasizing Barnett’s ability to rebuild and reinvigorate the program after a challenging two-year stretch under former head coach Russell Springmann.
Barnett’s Coaching Journey
Barnett’s coaching career has been marked by steady progression and success. Before working in West Virginia, he served as an assistant coach in Nevada for five seasons. During his tenure with the Wolf Pack, he helped lead the team to 96 victories, including two consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances.
In the 2021 season, Barnett even stepped in as acting head coach for a game against Pepperdine, guiding Nevada to a 79-66 win during the COVID-19 season.
Sources: Oral Roberts will hire Kory Barnett as its next head basketball coach.
Barnett was on staff at West Virginia last season.
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) March 28, 2025
Before Nevada, Barnett spent six years on the coaching staff at UCLA, where he worked under Steve Alford. His roles included video coordinator, director of scouting and player development, and director of operations. His time with the Bruins helped him develop a keen eye for talent and game strategy, skills essential in his new role at Oral Roberts.
Barnett’s coaching foundation was laid during his playing days at Indiana University from 2009 to 2012. As a walk-on, he played a key role in helping the Hoosiers return to postseason success, reaching the NCAA Sweet 16 in his senior year.
Challenges and Expectations at Oral Roberts
Barnett takes over an Oral Roberts program that has struggled in recent seasons. Under Russell Springmann, the Golden Eagles posted a 19-42 record over two years, including a disappointing 7-23 campaign last season that saw them finish in last place in the Summit League with a 3-13 conference record.
Despite these recent struggles, Oral Roberts has a rich basketball history. The program gained national attention in 2021 when it made a stunning Sweet 16 run as a No. 15 seed under then-head coach Paul Mills. Additionally, the school was the launching pad for legendary Kansas head coach Bill Self, who got his first head coaching job at Oral Roberts in 1993.
Barnett’s primary challenge will be reviving the Golden Eagles and returning them to national relevance. His experience in player development, scouting, and in-game strategy makes him a strong candidate to rebuild the program into a Summit League contender.
What Will Happen Next?
Barnett will take on a team that needs a new identity and a fresh start. With his experience at Power Five programs and mid-major success at Nevada, he has the credentials to bring Oral Roberts back to competitiveness. His ability to recruit, develop players, and implement winning strategies will be crucial in the coming seasons.
KEEP READING: Oral Roberts Parts Ways With Russell Springmann After 7-23 Season
Golden Eagles fans will be eager to see how Barnett’s leadership unfolds as he takes the stage. With a strong coaching background and a hunger for success, he has the potential to make an immediate impact in Tulsa. Only time will tell if he can restore Oral Roberts to its former glory, but early signs point to a promising new chapter for the program.
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