MARSHALL, Minn. - Southwest Minnesota State University Director of Athletics Chris Hmielewski announced on Thursday that Brad Bigler has been named the permanent head men's basketball coach at SMSU. 

Bigler had served as the interim head coach since the Sept. 30, 2009, resignation of Greg Stemen.

“We are excited about Brad's future as the head coach of our men's basketball team,” Hmielewski said.  “He will bring great stability, leadership and success to our basketball program, community and campus.  Brad's six years as an assistant coach and one year as interim head coach has prepared him well for this opportunity.  His focus will continue to be on recruiting quality student-athletes who possess the academic success, character and desire to do what it takes to be a Mustang men's basketball player.  I look forward to watching the growth of this program and overall student-athlete experience under the leadership of coach Bigler and his staff.”

Bigler is no stranger to SMSU basketball having been a part of the program for 12 years as a player, assistant coach and interim head coach.  He has spent the past seven seasons as a coach at SMSU, beginning his tenure in 2003 and spending two seasons as a graduate assistant before being elevated to full-time assistant coach prior to the 2005-06 season.  He was named associate head coach in the summer of 2006 before being named interim head coach on Sept. 30, 2009.

During this past season as interim head coach, Bigler led SMSU to a 17-12 overall record, including 10-10 in conference play and a tie for sixth place in the conference standings.  SMSU entered the conference tournament as the No. 8 seed, but upset No. 1 seed Minnesota State and No. 4 seed Winona State to advance to the NSIC tournament championship game before falling in the final seconds to St. Cloud State. 

“When I look back at how all the pieces fell into place for me to be in this position, it feels like this was meant to happen,” Bigler said.  “A special thanks to former SMSU coaches Tim Miles, Todd Koering, Ricky Hill, Perry Ford, Kyle Green and most importantly Greg Stemen for all their efforts in building my passion for Mustang basketball.”

During his four-year tenure as a full-time assistant coach and recruiting coordinator, SMSU recorded 80 wins, had four winning seasons and captured an NSIC and NCAA region championship.  As an assistant/interim head coach, Bigler helped recruit and coach one All-America, eight all-conference selections and two academic all-district honorees.

“I am very thankful for all the support over the last 13 years,” Bigler said.  “I am excited that my family will have the opportunity to grow here in the Marshall community.  This community has been a big part of my growth as a person, and the people here make this a special place.”

Bigler played five seasons in the Mustang men's basketball program from 1997-2002 and left as one of the winningest players in school history.  A point guard, he played on the 2001 NSIC and North Central Region championship team that went to the NCAA Elite Eight in Bakersfield, Calif.  He ended his career playing in 118 games and currently ranks fourth all-time in assists with 286.  During his playing days, SMSU finished with a record of 83-36.

After finishing his collegiate playing career, Bigler spent the 2002-03 season as the head girls' basketball coach at Lakeview High School in Cottonwood, Minn.

“I appreciate the support from President Danahar and Chris Hmielewski,” Bigler said.  “Their support in building this athletics department has been vital.  I look forward to watching SMSU athletics continue to progress and compete at a high level in the NSIC.
 
Bigler is a 2003 graduate of SMSU with a bachelor's degree in health/physical education and earned his master's degree in education leadership from SMSU in 2010.  Brad and his wife, Heather, live in Marshall with their daughter, Taleigha, and son, Nash.

“I look forward to the challenge of bringing quality people to SMSU and building on the traditions set before us,” Bigler said.  “This program is more than just wins and losses.  I want this program to make a positive impact on the Marshall community. These young men have the power to do special things and it's my job to bring it out of them.”

Southwest Minnesota State University, located in Marshall, is a member of NCAA Division II and competes in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference.