East Carolina Men鈥檚 Basketball has officially announced the addition of Tyler Johnson and Jackson Stepanian to its coaching staff for the 2026-27 season. Johnson joins as assistant coach/director of player development following a season at Fresno State and brings extensive NBA experience, having played for teams like the Miami Heat and Brooklyn Nets. Stepanian will serve as the video coordinator after four years at Rhode Island, where he assisted in video management and staff planning, as well as working with USA Basketball. Head coach Michael Schwartz emphasizes the impact both coaches will have on player development and program success.

By the Numbers
  • Tyler Johnson ranks 20th all-time at Fresno State with 1,346 career points.
  • He played in two playoff seasons with Miami and helped the Nets reach back-to-back playoffs.
State of Play
  • Tyler Johnson is returning to a coaching role after a professional career spanning nine years in the NBA and overseas.
  • Jackson Stepanian is transitioning from an assistant video coordinator role at Rhode Island to a key support position at ECU.
What's Next

As summer training camp approaches, both Johnson and Stepanian are expected to implement their strategies and insights, bringing fresh energy to the Pirates' program. This will be critical as the team prepares for the upcoming season.

Bottom Line

The additions of Johnson and Stepanian are aimed at enhancing player development and performance at East Carolina, leveraging their basketball experience to build a competitive program. Their diverse backgrounds promise to positively influence the team dynamic as they gear up for the 2026-27 season.