Chris Wright will now have his chance at running a Division I HBCU men’s basketball program.
According to HBCU Basketball reporter Liv Antilla, Wright has finalized a deal with Alabama State to become their new head coach.
Wright most recently served as head coach at Langston, where he led the Lions to the NAIA men’s basketball championship game in 2024 and this past season. His record over four years at Langston was 121-21. Prior to Langston, he guided Talladega to the NAIA title game in 2022.
Wright’s overall coaching record over 16 years is 332-121.
Wright’s success at the NAIA level made him a top candidate for the ASU job, something he acknowledged during an appearance on HBCU Sports’ “Better Than Less Than” podcast with Jarrett Hoffman last week.
“When you have success, people tend to notice,” Wright said. “It’s a huge blessing. Your name comes up when jobs are open, and that’s part of it.”
Wright will replace Tony Madlock, who resigned late last month to return to the University of Memphis as associate head coach.
The Hornets were 2025 SWAC champions under Madlock and won a thrilling NCAA Tournament First Four game over Saint Francis (PA) that was a part of CBS Sports’ “One Shining Moment.”
