KALAMAZOO, Mich. – On Saturday, March 28 the Western Michigan men's basketball program announced as its new head coach, becoming the 14 head coach in program history.
Bates joined the Bronco basketball program in 2000 under former head coach Robert McCullum and remained on staff under previous coach Steve Hawkins. In three stints with the Broncos spanning over 15 seasons, Bates has established himself as one of the top recruiters in the Mid-American Conference.
During Bates' tenure in Kalamazoo the Broncos also had great success in the classroom as 18 players earned Academic All-MAC honors.