New Mexico State to hire Chris Jans as head coach

Wichita State associate head coach Chris Jans will be named the next head coach at New Mexico State, replacing Paul Weir, who took the same job at New Mexico. The 48-year will become the 26th Aggie coach and has reportedly signed on to a four-year contract, per Jeff Goodman of ESPN.

Jans is set to take the podium at his arrival press conference at 7 p.m. ET on Monday. He’s gone 179-56 as a head coach, including stints at Chipola and Bowling Green. Most recently, he was a fixture on Gregg Marshall’s Shocker staff. Jans’ coaching career has spanned 26 years and he’s left all stops as a head coach with a winning record. However, his 21-12 finish and CIT success at Bowling Green in 2015 ultimately ended in his firing. That came immediately after a video featuring Jans’ drunken behavior toward multiple women was publicized.

The Aggies went 28-6 last season to capture the WAC championship. New Mexcio State later lost to Baylor in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. Their last tournament win came in 1993.

The Aggies will keep much of their core in tact for next year. Notable returners include second-leading scorer Braxton Huggins, 13.7 points per game, and sophomore phenom Eli Chuha, who pitched in an average of 12.4 points and 8.9 rebounds per game. Jemerrio Jones will also be key as he had 9.7 points and 8.4 rebounds per game. With a balanced offense, the Aggies will look to thwart two rising teams in the WAC in Grand Canyon and CSU Bakersfield.