California men’s basketball is bringing back a familiar name in a bigger way.
Head coach Mark Madsen has announced that Matt Bradley will join the staff as director of player development for the upcoming 2026-27 season. Bradley spent last season as a graduate assistant with the program, and now he moves into a new role after returning to Haas Pavilion as part of Cal’s staff.
“Our players have great respect for Matt as a leader with an outstanding basketball IQ,” Madsen said. “His work ethic and love of the game shows in all that he does, and he has also been a winner as a player. He will play a key role in the growth of our Bears.”
Bradley’s connection to Cal runs deep. The San Bernardino native played three seasons for the Bears, where he was a two-time All-Pac-12 Second Team selection. He finished his Cal career with 1,289 points and ranked No. 10 all-time in made 3-pointers with 156 before transferring to San Diego State for his senior season.
After college, Bradley spent time working with K-12 youth as a teacher, mentor and sports trainer. He also played overseas in Germany before returning to Cal as a graduate assistant for 2025-26.
“I’m excited to be back at Cal and to work with student-athletes who were once in my shoes,” Bradley said. “I’m dedicated to helping prepare our players to compete and win under Coach Madsen, while working closely with the staff to support the program in every way possible.”
The move comes after a strong 2025-26 season for the Bears. Cal finished with 22 wins, its most since 2016, and picked up its first postseason win since 2014. That team also produced eight 90-point games and had five players in the top 100 of national statistical categories.
Cal also framed the hire under its “California Through and Through” identity, describing it as more than a slogan and tying it to the program’s pride, diversity and direction moving forward.
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