Langston University has found its replacement for Chris Wright.
Sam Kohnke, an up-and-coming NAIA coach, has been named the next men’s basketball leader, the school announced on Friday.
Kohnke arrives in Langston following a turnaround season at Oklahoma City University, where he guided the school to a 21-11 record, an 18-7 mark in Sooner Athletic Conference play, and the SAC Tournament championship in 2025-26.
“Coach Sam Kohnke has had significant success creating a winning culture at his previous two universities and knows the preparation needed to play deep into March,” Donnita Rogers, the school’s athletic director, said in a statement. “We are excited to have him join our university and are eager to see him lead Langston Lion basketball for years to come.”
Kohnke expressed enthusiasm about taking over a Langston program with a strong tradition, crediting university leadership for the opportunity while acknowledging the foundation built by former head coach Chris Wright, who left for Division I Alabama State in April.
“Langston University is a program with tremendous pride, tradition and purpose,” Kohnke said. “My goal is to honor that foundation and continue building something everyone associated with Langston can be proud of.”
Sam Kohnke has won everywhere
Before his stint at OCU, Kohnke spent four seasons at Central Baptist College.
He compiled a 91-38 record, becoming the school’s all-time wins leader while guiding the Mustangs to three straight 21-win seasons.
His success at CBC included back-to-back NAIA National Tournament appearances and an Elite Eight run in 2024. That same season, CBC captured both the American Midwest Conference regular-season and tournament titles, with Kohnke earning AMC Coach of the Year honors and the Raymond Bright Award as Conway’s top college coach.
Langston University President Ruth Ray Jackson said Kohnke’s track record made him an ideal fit to continue the program’s upward trajectory.
“Coach Sam Kohnke is a proven winner with a demonstrated record of success,” Jackson said. “He brings the vision, discipline and competitive excellence needed to lead an elite men’s basketball program and to build upon the strong foundation already in place.”
Kohnke now takes over a Langston program fresh off an appearance in the NAIA national championship game.
