Houston Christian announced it will not renew the contract of men’s basketball head coach Ron Cottrell following the end of the 2023-2024 season. Cottrell was hired to restart the Huskies basketball program in 1989 and will depart following his 33rd season on the sideline.

Cottrell led the Huskies to 524 career wins, nine consecutive Red River Athletic Conference championships, and ten appearances in the national tournament while competing in NAIA. He also led the program’s transition to NCAA Division I in 2007 and coached 20 All-Americans.

In addition to serving as head basketball coach, Cottrell also served as the school’s athletic director for 15 years.

“In the fall of 1990 at the age of 29, I accepted the position of head basketball coach at HBU. My family, my assistants, and I poured our hearts and souls into this program and the young men we were fortunate enough to lead over the past 33 years,” Cottrell said in a statement. “I will forever be indebted to, and grateful for, the terrific group of young men and their families who chose to be a part of our program throughout my time as a Husky. Being "your coach" always was one of the greatest honors of my life. I love you guys!”

"Houston Christian University, its athletes, friends and followers will be forever grateful for the career that Coach Cottrell has had here." Director of Athletics Steve Moniaci added. "He has impacted the lives of countless athletes in his role not just as basketball coach, but also as long-time athletic director for the past 34 years. We are truly indebted to him for his service, and we wish him and his family nothing but the best. He, and they, will always be a part of the fabric of HCU athletics."

HCU will immediately begin a national search for a new head coach.