Oregon Ducks Basketball's Secret Gem Assistant Returns

Josh Jamieson is returning back to Eugene after two years as an assistant coach under Kenny Payne at Louisville. He's now entering his 19th season with the Oregon Ducks and looks like a secret gem for the coaching staff.
Nov 29, 2012; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks coaching staff Brian Fish (far left) - Josh Jamieson (second from left) - head coach Dana Altman (center) - Kevin McKenna (second from right) before the game against the Texas-San Antonio Roadrunners at Matthew Knight Arena. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 29, 2012; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks coaching staff Brian Fish (far left) - Josh Jamieson (second from left) - head coach Dana Altman (center) - Kevin McKenna (second from right) before the game against the Texas-San Antonio Roadrunners at Matthew Knight Arena. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports / Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports

After the disaster that was the Kenny Payne era at Louisville the past two seasons, it was a sign for Josh Jamieson to go back to the Oregon Ducks. A place where he found a wealth of success over the last three decades.

He served as the assistant coach for the Cardinals who finished 4-28 in the 2022-23 season and 4-28 in the 2023-24 season. Not only were those two of the worst records in the country the past few years but it was two of the worst finishes in Louisville basketball history.

Josh Jamieson was announced as Kenny Payne's assistant coach at U of L basketball.
Josh Jamieson was announced as Kenny Payne's assistant coach at U of L basketball. He comes to U of L after serving in the Director of Operations role for 14 years and one year as the executive director at the University of Oregon. April 26, 2022 At9i2479 Josh Jamieson / Alton Strupp/Courier Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK

Jamieson will now serve as both the Oregon's Executive Director and an assistant coach under coach Dana Altman. He will be entering his 19th season with the Ducks. It all started in 2000 when he was hired as a graduate manager. He had stints with the University of Portland and South Medford High School as an assistant coach at both but always seemed to eventually find his way back to Eugene.

What does he truly bring back to the Oregon basketball program? The Medford native and Southern Oregon University alum knows the area well when it comes to where to find underrated recruits. He'll be living in Eugene with his family so it'll be more easy for him to get in the car and watch someone play in the high school ranks throughout the Pacific Northwest or West Coast in general.

Jamieson also brings back a winning attitude and ability to explain to players what it takes to succeed when playing with Oregon. He's seen it all in his multiple tenures with the green and yellow.

Oregon Ducks forward Jordan Bell (1) blocks the shot of North Carolina Tar Heels guard Joel Berry II (2)
Apr 1, 2017; Glendale, AZ, USA; Oregon Ducks forward Jordan Bell (1) blocks the shot of North Carolina Tar Heels guard Joel Berry II (2) during the second half in the semifinals of the 2017 NCAA Men's Final Four at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports / Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

Four regular season conference championships, three conference tournament titles, eight NCAA Tournament appearances, five Sweet Sixteens, three Elite Eights, and the Final Four in 2017. Even with his time at Southern Medford, he helped lead the Panthers to back-to-back state championship games, winning the 6A title in 2007. He knows how to win.

Altman trusts Jamieson and respects his decision making, X and O's. In the new era of the Big Ten, the Ducks could use someone with his background. His impact on the defensive side of the floor has been evident since he stepped onto Oregon's campus all those years ago.

Tony Stubblefield will also be returning back to Eugene as an assistant coach under Altman after a tough head coaching tenure in DePaul. In three seasons with the Blue Demons, he had an overall record of 28-54. Mike Mennenga, Brian Fish and Louis Rowe will be joining Stubblefield and Jamieson as assistant coaches for the 2024-25 Oregon coaching staff.

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Arden Cravalho
ARDEN CRAVALHO

Arden Cravalho has been covering Oregon football and basketball for Sports Illustrated's Oregon site since June 2024. Arden has been writing extensively about college athletics beginning in 2018. His other work can be seen on "The Slipper Still Fits" at SB Nation. Arden is a graduate of Gonzaga University and brings a deep understanding of college sports to his writing. Residing in San Francisco, CA, Arden continues to follow his passion for college sports with a focus on the Ducks. His experience and dedication to covering Oregon's athletic programs are evident in his insightful articles and analysis