Rob Lanier, the head coach of Rice Men’s Basketball, unveiled a series of staffing updates ahead of the 2026‑27 season, signaling a strategic reshaping of the program’s support structure.
Josten Crow, who has served under Lanier for the past four years, will step into the role of Associate Head Coach, bringing a blend of continuity and fresh perspective to the bench.
Tyler Dawson, previously a Graduate Assistant and before that an Assistant Coach at St. Thomas where the Celts posted a 54‑15 record and captured two conference titles, joins as an Assistant Coach, bringing organizational acumen and a proven track record of success.
Leadership Expands Across Basketball Operations
Jack Schoemann, who spent the last two seasons as a Special Assistant to the Head Coach, now assumes the title of Assistant Athletic Director for Basketball Operations, a move that Lanier described as a testament to Schoemann’s readiness for greater responsibility.
Gabe Ramos, a former MacAlester College standout who earned All‑Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference honors in 2021‑22, is appointed Director of Player Development after two years as a Graduate Assistant, bringing both playing experience and diligent work ethic to the role.
Lanier praised each newcomer, highlighting Crow’s professionalism, Dawson’s intelligence and contributions, Schoemann’s trustworthiness, and Ramos’s commitment, and expressed confidence that the revamped staff will elevate the program’s competitiveness.
The announcements come as Rice Athletics, a long‑standing partner of the university’s athletic mission, continues to invest in building a cohesive coaching environment that can attract top talent and sustain success in the highly competitive collegiate basketball landscape.