Chris Popp enters his second year as an assistant coach in the Pittsburg State University men's basketball program.
Popp came to Pitt State after serving as head coach at Missouri State University-West Plains for four seasons (2017-2020). During his four-year tenure, he led the Grizzlies to a pair of nationally ranked top 20 seasons including a NJCAA Region XVI Championship in 2018. He was named the Region XVI Coach of the Year that season.
Â
Prior to his tenure at MSU-West Plains, Popp served as an assistant coach at the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith for five years (2012-16). He helped the Lions claim back-to-back Heartland Conference titles and make two appearances in the NCAA Division II National Tournament.
Â
Popp also served as an assistant coach at Newman University for six seasons (2006-2011) and at his alma mater, Tabor College, for one year (2005). He helped NU to a nationally ranked season and Tabor to a KCAC Championship and a berth in the NAIA National Tournament.
Â
A Wichita native, Popp was a three-year starter at Tabor College, helping the Bluejays reach the Sweet 16 of the NAIA National Tournament. He earned a bachelor’s of arts degree in physical education from Tabor in 2001.
Â
