Chris Jans to remain at New Mexico State as head hoops coach

LAS CRUCES, New Mexico - Despite strong interest from East Tennessee State, Chris Jans will remain in Las Cruces.

After a week in which the New Mexico State Head Coach's name was directly tied to the same position at ETSU, Jans announced in a social media post Wednesday afternoon that he would stay with the Aggies.

Jans' return is a massive coup for the Aggies, especially considering the larger budget at East Tennessee State.

It was no surprise that East Tennessee State showed interest in Jans as their replacement for former head coach Steve Forbes, who took the same position at Wake Forest.

Jans just wrapped up his third year in charge of the Aggies. He has posted win totals of 28, 30, and 25, winning WAC Coach of the Year in each one of those seasons.

After reaching the NCAA Tournament in his first two seasons, he was poised to return for a third before the Tournament was canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Now, Jans will look to the upcoming season in which he welcomes back three starters, including First-Team All-Conference Selection Jabari Rice.

The Aggies also welcome in graduate transfer Jacob Tryon (Portland), and are awaiting word on the pending extra year of eligibility for seniors Clayton Henry and AJ Harris.

But for now, the most crucial returning is Chris Jans.