TORONTO (May 1, 2025) – Canada Basketball announced Thursday that Gordie Herbert has been named the next head coach of the Senior Men’s National Team. The Penticton, B.C., native will officially assume the role in the summer of 2026.

Herbert joins the program with a winning track record and a reputation as one of international basketball’s most accomplished coaches. He guided Germany to a historic FIBA Men’s Basketball World Cup title in 2023 and followed it up with a fourth-place finish at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

“We are proud to announce Gordie as the next head coach of our Senior Men’s National Team,” said Rowan Barrett, General Manager and Executive Vice-President, Senior Men’s Program. “His championship pedigree, command of the FIBA game, and understanding of what it takes to compete for medals on the world stage make him the ideal leader for this next chapter of Canada Basketball.”

Canada is currently ranked No. 6 in the FIBA World Rankings, presented by Nike, following a bronze medal performance at the 2023 FIBA Men's World Cup and its first Olympic qualification in men’s basketball in 24 years. Herbert will be tasked with leading this golden generation of Canadian talent to a second consecutive Olympic appearance — with eyes on the podium at the 2028 Los Angeles Games.

“It’s great to welcome Gordie back to our program,” said Barrett. “He knows what it means to represent Canada and brings the experience, leadership, and vision to guide this group through the next chapter of our journey.”

Herbert’s connection to the Canadian national team runs deep. After a brief stint from 2001-02 as an Assistant Coach, he returned to the sidelines in 2018 helping guide Canada through multiple FIBA World Cup qualifying windows and served on the bench at the 2021 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Victoria, B.C. 

“I’m incredibly honoured and excited for the opportunity to coach my home country,” said Herbert. “Canada Basketball has made tremendous progress in recent years, and the depth of talent in the program is as good as anywhere in the world. I look forward to building on the strong culture that’s been established and working with our athletes to continue pushing Canada to new heights.”

Herbert’s coaching resume spans more than three decades across Europe’s top professional leagues, with head coaching stops in Germany, France, Finland, and Greece.

He captured the German league title with the Frankfurt Skyliners in 2004, added a FIBA Europe Cup crown and Bundesliga Coach of the Year honours in 2016, and lifted domestic cups in France (2007) and Finland (2009). Along the way, he earned top coaching accolades in Austria (2000) and Finland (2003), reinforcing a reputation as a builder of winning cultures across Europe.

Herbert also brings NBA experience, having served as an assistant coach with the Toronto Raptors during the 2008-09 season and as a consultant with the Brooklyn Nets in 2019-20.

Currently the head coach of FC Bayern Munich, Herbert has steered the German powerhouse to a strong campaign in the EuroLeague this season. Bayern also sit atop the standings in the domestic league, on pace to contend for the German championship this season.

As a player, Herbert starred at the University of Idaho, where he helped lead the Vandals to a program-best 27–3 record and a trip to the NCAA Sweet Sixteen in 1982 — the school’s deepest tournament run to date.

An Olympian, he represented Canada in the early 1980s as a member of the Senior Men’s National Team, competing under Hall of Fame head coach Jack Donohue at the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

Canada Basketball’s ability to attract world-class coaching talent has been bolstered by philanthropic support, including ongoing investments from the Dani Reiss Family Foundation, whose contributions have helped strengthen the national team’s high-performance pathway.

Details regarding Herbert’s full coaching staff and the program’s roadmap toward the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup and Los Angeles 2028 will be announced at a later date.

‍