Marquette, MI – May 28th, 2026 – After 10 seasons leading the Bay College men’s basketball program, head coach Matt Johnson announced last week that he is stepping down from his position with the Norse. While the decision was one of the toughest of his career, Johnson said the choice ultimately came down to family and the opportunity to support his children as they begin their own college basketball journeys.
“This was one of the most difficult decisions of my life,” Johnson said. “I have poured my heart and soul into the men’s basketball program over the past 10 years and am very proud of what we have been able to achieve.”
Johnson explained that his children, Drake and Lillie, are both moving on to play college basketball next season, and he wanted the opportunity to be there for them in a way he could not while balancing the demands of coaching.
“This was purely a family decision,” Johnson said. “My kids have always taken the back seat to my teams and with Drake and Lillie both moving on to play college basketball elsewhere next season, I felt it was best for me to be a dad sitting in the stands watching and supporting them.”
“I’m excited for that next chapter,” he added. “I know how quickly these 4-5 years will go by, and I want to actively be a part of it.”
Johnson leaves Bay College as one of the most successful coaches in program history. Over 10 seasons, he compiled an impressive 186-78 overall record while transforming the Norse into one of the top junior college programs in the region. The program posted just one losing season during his tenure and earned national rankings multiple times.
One of the defining moments of Johnson’s coaching career came during the 2022-23 season when Bay College joined the Michigan Community College Athletic Association (MCCAA). In their first season in the conference, the Norse went undefeated in league play, immediately establishing themselves as a powerhouse.
Under Johnson’s leadership, Bay College also produced numerous All-Americans, All-Region, and All-Conference players, while several athletes continued their basketball careers at four-year programs after leaving Escanaba.
Before arriving at Bay College in 2016, Johnson built an extensive coaching résumé across the Midwest. As a player, he competed collegiately at Northland College and Finlandia University before graduating from Northern Michigan University in 2004.
Johnson began his coaching career in 2005 as an assistant coach for the women’s basketball program at Macalester College. He later moved to Hibbing Community College, where he spent one season as an assistant before becoming head coach from 2007-2014. During that stretch, Johnson compiled a 96-100 record while helping rebuild the program.
He also spent time at Saint Mary’s University in Winona, Minnesota, serving as an assistant basketball coach while coaching both the men’s and women’s golf programs.
With Johnson stepping away, assistant coach Mike Cretens will take over as head coach of the Norse. Cretens spent the past four seasons on Johnson’s staff and helped guide Bay College to a combined 100-24 record during that time.
“I’m incredibly honored and grateful for the opportunity to lead the Bay College Men’s Basketball Program,” Cretens said. “Being born and raised here, this is truly special to me. This is home, and I take great pride in leading a program that represents our community. I’m excited to build on what we’ve established and give everything I have to this program, this community, and these student-athletes. Go Norse!”
Johnson expressed full confidence in Cretens and believes the program remains in strong hands moving forward.
“I have enjoyed working with Mike the past four seasons and have all the confidence in the world that he will do an incredible job,” Johnson said. “He has been a huge part of what we have been able to build. Mike’s résumé and experience speak for itself; he is a great recruiter, a very knowledgeable coach, and will do an incredible job building relationships with players, coaches, and the Norse community.”
Although Bay College head coach Matt Johnson is stepping away from the sidelines, his impact on the Norse program will continue to be felt for years to come. Johnson’s decision allows him to focus fully on leading the Bay College athletic department in his continued role as Athletic Director, while leaving behind a men’s basketball program he helped transform into one of the premier junior college programs in the region. Through a decade of leadership, Johnson built a strong foundation and culture that the Norse hope to carry forward well into the future.
