Bio

Drawing upon more than two decades of experience across collegiate basketball, Darren French has established himself as a respected leader in recruiting, player development and team success. Currently in his second season as an assistant coach at East Los Angeles College, French’s coaching journey has spanned NCAA Division I and II programs, National Junior College, California Community College, and championship-caliber teams.

French’s 2022-2023 campaign at California Poly San Luis Obispo under former head coach John Smith showcased his ability to immediately impact a program. “Coach French brings a level of maturity to our staff that was needed,” said Smith. “He also brings more than 20 years of coaching experience—including at Texas Tech under defensive mastermind Mark Adams. He’ll be able to impart some of those winning traits within our program immediately as he’ll be deeply involved on the defensive side of the ball for us”. While at Cal Poly, French coached Kobe Sanders, a 2025 NBA second-round pick by the Los Angeles Clippers.

Before joining Cal Poly, French served as director of operations at Texas Tech for the 2021-22, where his contributions helped the Red Raiders finish 27-10, claim the Big 12 Conference Tournament runner-up spot, and reach the 2022 NCAA Tournament Sweet 16.

French’s commitment to player development is evident throughout his career. At Cal State Los Angeles, he was promoted to associate head coach and named one of Silver Wade Media’s “50 Impactful Division II Assistant Coaches.” Head coach Jim Saia praised French, stating, “He’s one of the best assistant coaches in the country—at any level. He is a tireless worker and brings great intensity to our program”. During his time with the Golden Eagles, French guided the team to one of its most successful seasons in years, reaching the semifinals of the California Collegiate Athletic Association Tournament and winning 18 games—the most since the 1999-2000 season.

French’s career is defined by his relentless work ethic, strategic acumen, and unwavering commitment to player growth. As Coach Saia summarized, “He is a tireless worker and brings great intensity to our program.” Coach Smith added, “He’ll be able to impart some of those winning traits within our program immediately.”

French’s earlier years at East Los Angeles College were marked by remarkable achievements. Over four seasons, he helped the Huskies compile a 95-28 record, secure three consecutive CCCAA State Tournament Elite Eight appearances, and win back-to-back South Coast Conference championships. In his first year, the team made a Cinderella run to the CCCAA State Tournament championship game as a No. 13 seed, winning five straight games to reach the final.

Throughout his career, French has demonstrated a keen eye for recruiting and developing future stars. At Howard College, he played a major role in recruiting the 2009-2010 nationally ranked team that won the NJCAA National Championship. He was also responsible for player development at Tyler Junior College, where five players signed Division I scholarships. At UC Riverside, he helped recruit and develop Nate Carter, who became the 2003 Big West Freshman of the Year. His work at Ventura College contributed to the rise of Desmond Penigar, who was named the 2003 Big West Conference Tournament MVP and later the 2004 NBDL Rookie of the Year.

French began his collegiate coaching career at the University of Oregon, where he worked with NBA draftees Bryan Bracey and Fred Jones. His ability to nurture talent and prepare players for the next level has been a hallmark of his coaching philosophy.

French’s career also includes assistant coaching stints at two-year Ventura College (2000-01), UC Riverside (2001-04) and Tyler Junior College (2004-05) and one season as head coach at Colorado Northwestern Community College (2005-06).

In addition to his coaching accomplishments, French holds a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology from Cal State San Bernardino and a master’s degree in physical education from Azusa Pacific University.