Oklahoma State University Athletics
Chris Ferguson
October 21, 2008 | Cowboy Basketball
Ferguson is well respected in the coaching fraternity as an up-and-comer where his strengths lie in his on-the-floor coaching abilities and his recruiting prowess.
Ferguson joined the ECU staff in 2005 following an eight-year tenure with the Tennessee Volunteers dating back to the 1997-98 season, which began under coach Jerry Green. He was retained by coach Buzz Peterson when he was hired in 2001. Ferguson was quickly promoted to associate head coach two years later prior to the 2003-04 campaign.
In his eight seasons in Knoxville, Ferguson helped lead the Vols to an impressive run of six consecutive postseason appearances, including four-consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances (1998, 1999, 2000 and 2001). Tennessee advanced to the second round in 1999 before earning a Sweet 16 berth the following season.
In all, Tennessee captured two Southeastern Conference Eastern Division titles and one overall SEC championship during his stay. While with the Vols, Ferguson was also credited with recruiting and coaching 11 different players who made All-SEC, three All-Americans, two SEC Players of the Year, three McDonald's All-Americans, four NBA players and a lottery pick.
Prior to arriving at Tennessee, Ferguson spent six years on Bill Foster's staff at Virginia Tech from 1991 to 1997. While in Blacksburg, he played a key role in helping guide the Hokies to 63 victories in his last three seasons, including a 23-6 mark in 1995-96 which earned Virginia Tech an NCAA Tournament appearance. A year earlier, the Hokies produced a school-record 25 wins and an NIT title.
Ferguson earned his first collegiate position in 1986 at UNC-Asheville, serving a one-year stint on Green's Bulldog staff before moving north to Appalachian State. From 1987 to 1991, he worked under former Eddie Sutton assistant Tom Apke and helped lead the Mountaineers to upper division finishes in the Southern Conference his final three seasons before his appointment at Virginia Tech.
Ferguson began his coaching career in 1982, working four years at Freedom High School in Morganton, N.C., beginning as an assistant under head coach Terry Rogers.
Ferguson was a four-year basketball letterman, earning a pair of letters each at Central Wesleyan (S.C.) College and Cumberland (Ky.) College while helping both squads to NAIA National Tournament appearances.
As a prep standout at Hendersonville (N.C.) High School, Ferguson was selected to the all-state unit and was named Western North Carolina Player of the Year in 1975. He was also an all-conference performer in football and baseball from 1972-75.
Ferguson earned his bachelor's degree in physical education and health from Cumberland in 1981. He and his wife, Mary, have a family of four: Brian, Crystal, Lathon and Anna Brian.
Personal Information
Education — bachelor's degree in physical education and health from Cumberland College (1981)
Professional Information
Assistant Coach, Freedom High School (1982-86)
Assistant Coach, UNC-Asheville (1986-87)
Assistant Coach, Appalachian State (1987-91)
Assistant Coach, Virginia Tech (1991-97)
Assistant Coach, Tennessee (1997-2003)
Associate Head Coach, Tennessee (2003-05)
Assistant Coach, East Carolina (2005-07)
Associate Head Coach, East Carolina (2007)
Assistant Coach, Oklahoma State (2007-present)
