OSHKOSH (NBC 26) — UW Oshkosh men’s basketball coach Matt Lewis has stepped down after eight seasons at the helm of one of Division III's best basketball programs.
Lewis confirmed his decision to NBC 26 Tuesday morning, saying he and his family will be moving to Illinois for his wife's job.
“It has been an amazing run at Oshkosh,” Lewis told NBC 26 in a text message. “14 years that changed our lives forever.”
Lewis went 141-62 over his eight seasons, including an NCAA Division III championship in 2019. He earned his 100th career victory in 2023, becoming the fastest coach in WIAC history to reach that mark.
Before taking over the head coaching job, Lewis spent six years as an assistant at UWO. He first took over as interim coach in 2018-19 and earned the full-time job after leading the Titans to the national title.
In the seven seasons since, the best tournament finish for UWO was an Elite Eight run in 2023. The Titans have not made the NCAA Tourament since.
“I want to thank Matt and his family for their nearly decade-and-a-half commitment to UW-Oshkosh basketball and the wider Oshkosh community," UW-Oshkosh Athletic Director Darryl Sims said. “Matt has been a campus leader since arriving in Oshkosh, and his positive presence will be missed well beyond the basketball court. His parents, Jim and Lyndee, and wife, Gaelyn, have also supported UW-Oshkosh Athletics in numerous ways throughout the years.”
The university says it will conduct a national search for the Titans’ next head coach, beginning as soon as possible. In the meantime, day-to-day operations will be managed by Sims and Abby Gildernick, UWO's Deputy Director of Athletics.
