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Photo by Ryan Coleman, d3photography.com |
Redlands has announced the hiring of Eric Bridgeland as the next head men's basketball coach. Bridgeland follows Jim Ducey, who retired after a 29-year career with the Bulldogs.
Bridgeland, who has been the head coach at Whitman for the past 12 seasons, is returning to Southern California, where he was an assistant coach and interim head coach at Division I Pepperdine.
"Our family would like to thank President Kuncl, university dean Eddleman, and especially (athletic director) Jeff Martinez for all their work on our behalf to make this a reality!" Bridgeland said. "We've known Redlands as a special place that has servant-based leadership at its core that spreads through the surrounding community. Our family is very humbled, honored, and excited to add value to the Bulldog family."
Bridgeland led the Blues to three Northwest Conference titles and six runner-up finishes. During the last five years, Whitman has qualified for the NCAA tournament each season and advanced to the Sweet 16, Elite 8, and Final Four. His 2019 seniors graduated as the winningest class in NCAA Division III history, as they contributed to three undefeated titles in NWC action and a 67-conference game win streak.
In 12 seasons at Whitman, Bridgeland boasts an impressive record of 245-87 (.738) and an NWC mark of 132-44 (.750%). In addition, he owns multiple national, regional, and conference coach of the year awards. His teams consistently land among the national rankings, as highlighted by the No. 1 spot on the D3hoops.com poll late in the 2017 season.
Prior to coaching at Whitman, he served as the head coach at Puget Sound for five seasons. After taking over a program that had one winning season in the previous nine, Bridgeland and the Loggers put together a stretch of three consecutive NWC titles, three NCAA appearances, and a No. 8 ranking.
Overall, Bridgeland has coached six D3hoops.com All-Americans, six conference MVPs, and 40 all-conference selections. He also sent another student-athlete to the NBA combine.
Outside of coaching, Bridgeland has gained experience with various NCAA basketball committees and organizations. Furthermore, he makes it a priority to serve his community through local non-profits like Friends of Children Walla Walla, Christian Aide Center, YMCA, and more.
His outreach also has resulted in impressive fundraising success through leadership camps, basketball clinics, golf tournaments, and general campaigning.
"Coach Bridgeland's teams are not only successful on the court but they have a demonstrated history of embracing the DIII philosophy of strong academic performance and a commitment to community service. All of those factors, along with a very impressive track record of successful fundraising efforts, make him a great fit for Bulldog athletics and the University of Redlands," said Martinez.