Thomas Kithier Joins Western Michigan Men’s Basketball Staff
KALAMAZOO, Mich. – Western Michigan University has announced the hiring of Thomas Kithier as an assistant coach for the 2025-26 men’s basketball season. Head Coach Dwayne Stephens expressed enthusiasm about the addition, highlighting Kithier’s significant experience and innovative approach to the game.
Kithier joins the Broncos after two years as an assistant video coordinator and player development coach with the NBA’s Utah Jazz. During his tenure, he worked closely with a host of players, including Lauri Markkanen and Kelly Olynyk, contributing to their development through scouting reports, analytical projects, and pre-draft workouts. He also served as an assistant coach during the 2023 and 2024 NBA Summer League.
Kithier’s coaching journey began at Valparaiso, where he was a graduate assistant following his collegiate playing career with the Beacons. He had previously played at Michigan State, under Coach Stephens, where he participated in 86 games, helping the Spartans secure multiple Big Ten titles and reach the 2019 Final Four.
In a statement, Kithier expressed his excitement for this new opportunity: “I am grateful for the chance to join Coach Stephens’ staff and look forward to building on the solid foundation of the program.” Hailing from Macomb, Mich., Kithier earned a bachelor’s degree in Advertising from Michigan State in just three years, later completing a master’s in Sports Administration/Media at Valparaiso.
With a proven track record as both a player and a coach, Kithier is expected to make a significant impact on the Western Michigan basketball program in the upcoming season.
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