Randy Gipson

Randy Gipson

Title: Head Coach
Phone: 918.444.3922
Email: gipsonr@nsuok.edu

Randy Gipson has completed his 13th season as the RiverHawks head coach. In closing out the Lone Star Conference era two years ago, Gipson’s teams claimed 6 LSC North Division Championships and won the LSC Tournament in 2003. His teams have also been a strong factor in NCAA South Central Regional play with seven appearances, including Sweet 16 finishes in 2004 and 2010. His 2010-2011 team hosted the South Central Regional as the number 1 seed. During his NSU tenure, Gipson’s record is 259-120 at Northeastern State and he holds a career record of 549-197.

Gipson’s coaching philosophy is built around the "team" concept. "The key to our success as a basketball program has clearly been talented players who are unselfish and possess a good work ethic," said Gipson. Coach Gipson looks for student-athletes that possess a clear talent and strong character. Along with his trademark motion offense, Gipson’s teams are known for a scrappy man-to-man defense, which is often among the leaders in various NCAA Division II defensive categories.
Gipson prides his student-athletes on being leaders on the court and in the classroom, graduating 97% of those completing eligibility. "Our players have achieved well on the basketball floor and have also succeeded in the classroom; we’ve had numerous players go on to excel in post-graduate professional schools and develop successful careers beyond their time at Northeastern," said Gipson. "As a head coach, I am proud of my association with this select group of student-athletes who have represented our basketball program and university over the past 12 years."


Gipson has 23 years of college head coaching experience, beginning his career with the Lady Norse at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M (NEO). He led the Lady Norse to a National Runner-up finish in 1991 and was named Region II Coach of the Year three times. Gipson received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Kentucky and his master’s degree in secondary school counseling from Pittsburg (Kansas) State University. Gipson resides in Tahlequah with his wife, Pam, and daughter, Carly.