Lakehead Athletics Announces John Campbell as New Head Coach of Men’s Basketball

Lakehead Athletics Announces John Campbell as New Head Coach of Men’s Basketball

Thunder Bay, ON – Lakehead University Athletics is pleased to announce the appointment of John Campbell as the new head coach of the Thunderwolves men’s basketball program.

Campbell brings nearly three decades of Canadian university basketball coaching experience, along with a proven record of developing student-athletes, building high-performance programs, and creating cultures focused on competitive success and student-athlete development.

Most recently, Campbell served as an assistant coach with the Toronto Metropolitan University men’s basketball program during the 2024-25 season, while also working in coach education and student-athlete development. His work has included supporting U SPORTS coaches in developing inclusive environments and strengthening communication and relationships with student-athletes.

Campbell previously served as Head Men’s Basketball Coach at the University of Toronto from 2013 to 2021, overseeing recruitment, athlete development, team performance, alumni relations, fundraising, and program operations. He also established an alumni mentoring program and annual alumni weekend to strengthen connections within the program.

Prior to Toronto, Campbell spent 11 seasons as Head Men’s Basketball Coach at Dalhousie University, leading the Tigers to Atlantic University Sport Championships in 2009 and 2011. He was also named AUS Coach of the Year in 2010-11. Earlier in his career at Laurentian University, Campbell led his program to two conference championships and was named Coach of the Year three times.

Campbell also brings significant international basketball experience, serving as an assistant coach with Basketball Canada at multiple international competitions, including the FISU Games, and earning a silver medal at the 2011 FISU Games.

“We’re incredibly excited to have someone of John’s caliber join our coaching staff. He’s highly respected throughout basketball and brings a tremendous wealth of experience both on and off the court. We’re excited that John has chosen Lakehead and look forward to his leadership as we continue to build on the strong legacy of this program and take it to even higher levels.”

— Tom Warden, Director of Athletics, Lakehead University

Campbell holds a Master of Education in Leadership in Higher Education from the University of Toronto, a Graduate Diploma in Public Administration from Dalhousie University, a Level 4 Diploma from the National Coaching Institute, and an Honours Bachelor of Physical Education from Laurentian University.

“I am excited to have the opportunity to lead Lakehead Basketball and work to build on the past successes of the program. I look forward to being part of the Lakehead family and broader Thunder Bay community.”

— John Campbell, Head Coach Lakehead Men’s Basketball, Lakehead University

Campbell’s extensive experience in Canadian university basketball, combined with his commitment to student-athlete development, mentorship, and building strong program cultures, will provide a strong foundation as the Thunderwolves enter their next chapter.

“I’m really looking forward to working with John. I’ve followed his career for a long time and have a tremendous amount of respect for what he’s accomplished in basketball. We’re very excited to have him join our team, and I know he’ll be a great addition to our program and our coaching staff.”

— Matt Erdman, Assistant Coach Lakehead Men’s Basketball, Lakehead University

Lakehead Athletics is excited to welcome John Campbell to the Thunderwolves community and looks forward to the next chapter of Lakehead men’s basketball under his leadership.

For media inquiries, please contact Lakehead Athletics at events.athletics@lakeheadu.ca.