NAIA HBCU Langston University has made a defining move by hiring Sam Kohnke as its next men’s basketball head coach. The decision reflects urgency from a program seeking sustained success.
Kohnke arrives at the Oklahoma-based HBCU after a recent role at Oklahoma City University. He joined that staff in July 2025 and quickly added structure. Before that, he built a competitive program at Central Baptist College. His record there stood at 91-38 over four seasons. His teams also won 55 games across the last two years.
Success followed him consistently. Kohnke earned American Midwest Conference Coach of the Year honors in 2023–24. That season included a school-record 28 wins. His .705 winning percentage reflects long-term consistency. Over three years, his teams posted 76 wins, the most in Arkansas at any level.
HBCU Sends Clear Message with Hire
Langston is not easing into a rebuild with this decision. Instead, the program is betting on a coach they hope produces results quickly. Central Baptist reached the NAIA Tournament in each of his final two seasons. His teams advanced deep into postseason play, including a national quarterfinal run in 2024.
Consistency defined his approach. His squads won or shared the AMC regular-season title in each of the last two years. They also captured the AMC Tournament championship in 2024. Player development stood at the center of that rise…