Jefferson Named Head Men's Basketball Coach

"I am excited to be named the next head coach at CCSJ. We are looking forward to a great start this coming year.   I am thankful for this opportunity and chance to build a program here at Calumet College of St. Joseph.  There is a lot of work to do to get us to the top of the conference but I am committed to this work and our student athletes," said Jefferson.   

Jefferson most recently served as the head boys' basketball coach for East Chicago Central High School Cardinals from 2017-2020 before taking on the head assistant role for the Crimson Wave last season.  

Before joining the Cardinals Jefferson spent four years at Theodore Roosevelt College and Career Academy in Gary, IN as the head varsity basketball coach. 

Jefferson got his start on the bench with Lake Central High School in 2008 where he spent three years, before volunteering with the Amateur Athletic Union Sports Youth Foundation.  

During his playing days Jefferson spent a season with Providence College before transferring to Iowa State University for the duration of his playing career.  After college, he played for the USBL's Pennsylvania Valley Dawgs in 2006 and for the Butte Daredevils in the Continental Basketball Association in 2007. 

"I am thrilled that Marcus Jefferson has agreed to become the next head basketball coach at CCSJ.  Coach Jefferson is, quite simply, a great fit for us.  Coach Jefferson remains one of the best basketball players this region has produced, played high major college basketball, and set aside an oversees professional basketball career so he could focus on his responsibilities to his family and be present as a father.  His work in secondary education – as a successful coach and as an administrator – is just further proof that Marcus understands and embraces his role as a model for the young men that will come through his program.  Having now spent a year on Gary Hayes' staff, Marcus also understands Calumet College of St. Joseph and his personal values are aligned with those of the college," said Athletic Director Mike Avery. 

This is Avery's first hire for the Crimson Wave Athletic Department since assuming the role in March.  Avery and Jefferson will work closely to rebuild the Crimson Wave into a CCAC contender. 

"This being my first hire as the new athletic director at the college, and in a high-profile sport like men's basketball, it was very important to me that I get this right.  After many hours of sitting down with Marcus and discussing everything from his background, to his family, to his vision for the future of the CCSJ basketball program – I was convinced that we are indeed getting this hire exactly right.  I am excited to partner with Marcus, his staff, and his players to see how we can continue to push the CCSJ Wave basketball program forward," said Avery 

Jefferson is the fifth head men's basketball coach for the Crimson Wave since its inception in 2000.  He is also currently the Dean of Students at East Chicago Central High School.