Michael Cooper Named Head Coach at Cal State LA, Says Role Will Be His Last on the Sidelines
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Los Angeles Lakers icon Michael Cooper has been appointed head coach of the Cal State LA Golden Eagles, the NCAA Division II program announced. Cooper served as an assistant with the team in 2023 and now steps in for Jim Saia, who retired after a decade at the helm.
Speaking with Jim Hill of Sports Central LA, the 69-year-old five-time NBA champion called the home-town opportunity “a special day” and acknowledged it is “probably my last coaching stint.” Cooper turns 70 in a few days and described Cal State LA as “a great place to end it.”
Extensive Coaching Resume
Since beginning his coaching career in 1994, Cooper has guided teams at multiple levels:
- Head coach, Los Angeles Sparks (WNBA)
- Head coach, Atlanta Dream (WNBA)
- Head coach, USC women’s basketball
- Head coach, Culver City High School boys’ team
- Assistant coach, Los Angeles Lakers and Denver Nuggets
Southern California Roots
A Pasadena native, Cooper played at Pasadena High School and Pasadena City College before transferring to the University of New Mexico. Selected by the Lakers in 1978, he spent all 12 NBA seasons in Los Angeles, winning five championships, earning five NBA All-Defensive First Team selections, and capturing the 1987 Defensive Player of the Year award.
Lakers Honor UCLA Women’s Champions
During their most recent home game, the Lakers recognized the UCLA women’s basketball team at center court after the Bruins claimed their first NCAA championship with a decisive victory over South Carolina.
Cooper now turns his attention to guiding the Golden Eagles while preparing to close an accomplished coaching chapter where his basketball journey first took flight.
Source: Lakers Nation
