Ferris State University has named former Fort Lewis College head coach Bob Pietrack to lead its men’s basketball team signaling a new era for the Bulldogs.
On Wednesday, May 14, Ferris Athletics announced that Pietrack would be filling in the recently vacant position, as former head coach Andy Bronkema recently made the move to Central Michigan University following the conclusion of 2024-25 season.
During his nine seasons at the helm of Fort Lewis College, Pietrack transformed the men’s basketball program into a Division II powerhouse. As head coach at Fort Lewis, he compiled a 189-75 record, winning 72% of his games and consistently ranking among Division II’s top 10 coaches
Ferris States athletic director Steve Brockelbank expressed enthusiasm about bringing Pietrack into the program.
“We had outstanding interest in this position due to the success we’ve had and [Pietrack] brings impressive credentials with a strong record of success at the Division II level to continue on that elite path,” Brockelbank said. “There is a long and storied tradition of Bulldog Basketball and we believe he is the right fit to build upon that legacy.”
Pietrack’s teams excelled both athletically and academically, earning six National Association of Basketball Coaches Team Academic Excellence Awards, an overall 3.0 GPA team average and fostering community engagement through outreach programs.
A proven leader with a record of excellence both on and off the court, Pietrack is eager to build upon the Bulldogs basketball tradition.
“I’m deeply grateful to President Pink, athletic director [Brockelbank] and the entire hiring committee for giving me this incredible opportunity. From the moment I stepped on campus, I felt the passion, pride and tradition that make Ferris State so special, Pietrack said. “This is a place where basketball matters, winning matters, and most importantly the people matter. I’m excited to pour my heart into this program, pack Wink Arena and become a proud member of the Big Rapids community and the Ferris State family. Go Bulldogs.”