Gordie Herbert to begin coaching Canada's senior men's basketball team in 2026

Gordie Herbert will take over as head coach of the senior men's national team in 2026, Canada Basketball announced Thursday.

The Penticton, B.C., native led Germany to a FIBA World Cup title in 2023 and fourth-place finish at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

He'll replace Jordi Fernandez, who stepped down in February after guiding Canada to a historic bronze medal at the 2023 World Cup and its first Olympic berth in 24 years.

"We are proud to announce Gordie as the next head coach of our senior men's national team," said Rowan Barrett, general manager and executive vice-president of the senior men's program. "His championship pedigree, command of the FIBA game, and understanding of what it takes to compete for medals on the world stage make him the ideal leader for this next chapter of Canada Basketball."

A former national team player, Herbert represented Canada at the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles under Hall of Fame coach Jack Donohue. He also had a standout NCAA career at the University of Idaho, helping lead the Vandals to the Sweet 16 in 1982.

The 66-year-old Herbert previously served as an assistant coach with the Canadian program from 2001-02, returned in 2018 to help during multiple FIBA qualifying windows, and was on Nick Nurse's staff at the 2021 Olympic qualifying tournament in Victoria.

"I'm incredibly honoured and excited for the opportunity to coach my home country," said Herbert, who currently coaches FC Bayern Munich.

"Canada Basketball has made tremendous progress in recent years, and the depth of talent in the program is as good as anywhere in the world. I look forward to building on the strong culture that's been established and working with our athletes to continue pushing Canada to new heights."

Herbert left Team Canada in 2021 to become Germany's head coach and won a Eurobasket bronze medal in 2022.

Standout NCAA playing career

After the Paris Olympics last summer, Herbert left to become head coach of Bayern Munich, guiding the team to a 19-15 record.

A former national team player, Herbert represented Canada at the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles under Hall of Fame coach Jack Donohue. He also had a standout NCAA career at the University of Idaho, helping lead the Vandals to the Sweet 16 in 1982.

"I'm incredibly honoured and excited for the opportunity to coach my home country," said Herbert, who currently coaches FC Bayern Munich.

"Canada Basketball has made tremendous progress in recent years, and the depth of talent in the program is as good as anywhere in the world. I look forward to building on the strong culture that's been established and working with our athletes to continue pushing Canada to new heights."

His coaching resume spans more than three decades across Europe's top leagues, with titles in Germany and France and coach of the year honours in Austria, Finland and Germany.

He was also an assistant with the Toronto Raptors in 2008-09 and a consultant with the Brooklyn Nets in 2019-20.

Herbert will take over the national team next summer.

Canada, ranked No. 6 in the world, is aiming for back-to-back Olympic appearances and a podium finish at the 2028 Games in Los Angeles.

Mazereeuw named CEBL president

Tyler Mazereeuw has been named the new president of the Canadian Elite Basketball League.

Mazereeuw will focus on leading and strengthening the league's sales and marketing efforts to elevate its commercial presence.

He has held senior roles with several prominent organizations over a 20-year career, including the Canadian Football League, IMG and Molson Sports & Entertainment.

Mazereeuw was with the CFL for 12 years, most recently serving as chief commercial officer for the league, where he oversaw revenue, marketing, and data strategy across broadcast, sponsorship, ticketing, licensing, brand and digital platforms.

The seventh season of the CEBL tips off May 11 when the Edmonton Stingers host the Calgary Surge.

Winnipeg's Canada Life Centre will host the championship weekend Aug. 22-24 as the top four teams vie for the league's title.