Sonoma State University has hired Aaron Landon as their new Men's Basketball Head Coach, highlighting a significant step towards the return of the NCAA Division II athletics for the '27-'28 school year. As the university works to rebuild and reimagine its athletic identity, this new chapter hopes to help Seawolves reconnect with its campus community and be excited for new opportunities. Joan McDermott, SSU's Athletic Director, who was involved in the coaching search and hiring process prioritized input from across the campus. With more than 100 applicants for the men's basketball position alone, the university conducted many interviews to narrow down candidates that matched the needs for this campus. "We want to get as much input as possible from across the campus, from faculty, management, people on campus, to staff and students as well," McDermott said. 

Landon emerged as a leading candidate early in the process. His experience at St. Martin's University, another Division II institution, gave him familiarity with the competitive landscape that Sonoma State will face in the upcoming year. Landon led St. Martin's University to three Great Northwest Athletic Conference regular-season championships and two NCAA Division II regionals in five years.

"Immediately, you can see his success," McDermott said. "And during the interview, you could see it on paper, but in the end, it's about being the right fit for this campus". 

That fit extended beyond the basketball court. Landon and his wife, who have two young daughters, are from Northern California and have expressed enthusiasm about helping Sonoma State grow. The hiring comes as Sonoma State prepares to restore 10 sports programs following previous cuts. Rather than simply recreating the past, McDermott said that University leadership views the effort as an opportunity to establish a new direction for athletics. "Our president is incredible," McDermott said. "For him, it's reimagining. Reimagining this University. Starting fresh and really doing some great things. That's how we look at athletics."

As recruiting began, McDermott expressed confidence in Sonoma State's ability to attract student athletes, pointing towards the University's campus environment and the potential for growth. She emphasized that coaches must be strong leaders and teachers who can build relationships with the players and foster a sense of belonging. With Landon leading the men's basketball program, Sonoma State is preparing not only to bring competition back to campus but also to rebuild the connection between athletics, students and the broader community. 

Story via Chloe Yeager, Staff Writer @ Sonoma State Star