IRVINE, Calif. – After two and a half decades at the helm, long-time Concordia University Irvine men's basketball head coach Ken Ammann announced on Monday that he is stepping down from the position.

"After 25 years leading this program, I believe this is the right time to step aside and allow new leadership to guide the next chapter of Concordia basketball," said Ammann. "I am incredibly grateful for the players, coaches, administrators, and supporters who have built this program into something we can all be proud of. The championships, wins, and milestones are meaningful, but the relationships and lifelong connections are what I value most."

Ammann has been the longest tenured coach out of any sport in Concordia University Irvine's 50-year history as a school. 

"Ken has had a remarkable run here during his time leading our men's basketball program," said CUI Vice President of Athletics and head softball coach Crystal Rosenthal. "25 years is incredible, and we are grateful for all that he has poured into Golden Eagle Basketball and we wish him nothing but the best on his next chapter."

The Ken Ammann Era at Concordia started in 2001 and it's been a page turner of memorable moments and influences ever since.

• Two NAIA National Championships in four national title game appearances.
• Twice named NAIA National Coach of the Year – in 2003 and 2012 – when Concordia won both national titles.
• Over 500 career wins – and one of only a handful of collegiate coaches who have led one school to that many victories.
• The first Concordia University Irvine head coach in any sport to 400 career wins
• A coaching tree of former assistants who are now leading their own programs at all levels – from Chris Victor at Seattle University and Rick Croy at fellow NCAA D1 program CBU, to Rhett Soliday at nearby Vanguard University, to Justin Bell at Santa Margarita High School.
• Led the program during the school's transition from NAIA to NCAA DII level of competition – and immediately helped CUI became an annual contender at the PacWest Conference Tournaments
• Steering the program through the COVID-19 pandemic when athletics stopped across the country for nearly a calendar year.
• The 2020 Harry Statham Coach of Impact Award
• Dozens of alumni and former players who have played professionally overseas – from Cameron Glidden to Tad Dufelmeier to Tim Adetukasi.

Overall, Ammann's Concordia teams went 546-247. Needless to say, it's been quite a run. And while there have been hundreds of victories over the past three decades, Coach Ammann insists that success is measured in different ways.

Dating back to his playing days at Stanford University and when he first got into coaching, Ammann has consistently mentioned throughout his career the importance of providing the best student-athlete experience possible for his players. He often mentions how he hopes that every Concordia player considers their college basketball years to be the best time of their lives.

"Leading this program has always been about more than wins," added Ammann. "It has been about developing young men as students, competitors, and leaders. I am proud of the culture we built and confident the foundation is strong for continued success. This program is in a healthy place, and that makes this transition the right one."

"Most of all I want to thank my wife Marina, my family, our alumni, and our administration for their unwavering support.  And I'd like to thank Concordia University Irvine for the incredible opportunity to lead this program for 25 years. The loyalty and belief in this program have meant more than I can express."

This year's Concordia men's basketball team finished the season with an overall record of 16-14 and made the PacWest Conference tournament for the second straight year. The Golden Eagles defeated HPU on Senior Night to clinch a berth, and then beat Fresno Pacific in the conference quarterfinal before the season came to a close in the semifinals against Westmont.

CLICK HERE for a look back at the 2025-26 CUI men's basketball schedule