Chaffey Men's Basketball Coach Jeff Klein Reaches 500 Wins

Last Thursday, Chaffey men's basketball coach Jeff Klein achieved a milestone in his illustrious coaching career, securing his 500th win after defeating Riverside College 81-73.

Now in his 24th year at Chaffey, Klein's passion for coaching remain just as strong as his early days as an assistant coach at the high school level. "I knew from an early age that I wanted to be a teacher and a coach," Klein reflects. "I enjoy the interaction with the student-athletes and get a tremendous sense of satisfaction not only from competing but also from coming to practice each day and improving. I'm a passionate coach who hasn't worked a day in my life."

After relocating from New York to California, Klein launched his teaching and coaching career as an assistant varsity coach at John Muir High School. During his time in Pasadena, Klein started to see immediate success, including winning a CIF title alongside future NBA star Stacey Augmon. Klein's career progressed rapidly, and at just 23, he became the youngest head coach in the state of California at South Pasadena High School. 

For those who haven't witnessed a Klein-coached team in action, their style can be aptly described as “strategic-controlled-chaos." Their strategy centers on relentless full-court pressure, designed to exhaust opponents and create offensive opportunities. Klein attributes his early coaching philosophy to his high school coach, Fred Seger, who demanded a great deal from his players and instilled an aggressive, pressing style of play.

Over the years, Klein's coaching style has evolved. While maintaining his signature full-court defense, he integrated the dribble drive offense after connecting with Vance Wahlberg, now the head coach at Fresno State. Klein also acknowledges similarities between his approach and that of Rick Pitino, a fellow New Yorker and renowned college basketball coach.

With over 24 years of coaching experience, Klein has witnessed numerous changes in the game. He notes that the shot clock and the three-point line are two of the biggest innovations, both of which he considers positive additions.

When asked about memorable moments, Klein recalls the 2013 quarterfinals where Chaffey upset the Southern California #1 seed Saddleback College, a game he considers a significant breakthrough for the program. Additionally, he cites the team's victory over the undefeated, #1 overall seed San Francisco City College (30-0) at Consumes River College in the Final Four as the biggest win of his Chaffey College career.

Spending 24 years at a program inevitably makes you the face of it, and Klein is quick to acknowledge that his success wouldn't be possible without the support of his coaching staff. "I've been fortunate throughout my career to have great assistant coaches," Klein says. "Jon Keller and Prentice Harris were instrumental in building the program alongside me. Others, like Mark Borgeson, Rob Alexander, Gary Clark, and Kenny Morgan, made significant contributions during their time with us. And in the last two seasons, Mateu Vilakazi and Brandon Averitt have been amazing. I'm truly blessed to have both of them. Over the years, I've also had the best volunteer, friend, and mentor in Mike Geffen."