Isaac Chew Promoted to Associate Head Coach

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – New Mexico head coach Richard Pitino announced Wednesday that Isaac Chew has been promoted to associate head coach. Chew is entering his fourth season on the Lobos’ coaching staff, having served as an assistant coach over the past three seasons.

“Isaac Chew has been here with me since day one and has been instrumental in this rebuild,” said Pitino. “We would not be in this position without Isaac’s hard work and dedication. He is a relentless recruiter and a terrific coach. He will be a head coach very soon and we are fortunate that he’s a Lobo.”

Over the past three seasons, Chew has helped Pitino guide the Lobos to improvement each year. His first season at New Mexico, in 2021-22, saw a seven-win improvement from the previous year. That was followed by a nine-win improvement in his second season, a 2022-23 campaign that featured the program’s first 20-win season and postseason appearance in nine years. Last year, UNM took another step, posting 26 victories, winning the Mountain West Tournament and returning to March Madness, all accomplishments that the Lobos hadn’t done in a decade.

“I am honored by this promotion and that Coach Pitino has trusted me with this role,” said Chew. “I am appreciative of the opportunity he gave me three years ago to be a part of the one of the best basketball programs and fan bases in the country. I’m excited to help continue to build on our success.”

Chew will be entering his 18th season in Division I in 2024-25, having helped six different programs to the postseason. Five of those programs (Murray State, Missouri, Marquette, Texas A&M, New Mexico) have made NCAA Tournament appearances, while winning three conference tournaments and three conference regular season titles.