A seasoned coach with deep ties to local basketball, Mitch Charlens enters his first year with San Diego men’s basketball and his 23rd in coaching overall in 2021 as an assistant coach.
Charlens joins the Toreros from nearby San Diego City College, where he had led the Knights since 2004. His decorated tenure at SDCC included steering the program to 325 wins in 16 seasons, winning seven conference championships, and securing a state championship in 2017.
While at San Diego City College, Charlens also served as an Assistant Athletic Director, as well as working as a professor.
Prior to coaching the Knights, he was an assistant coach at Chico State, College of the Sequoias, San Francisco State, and Lowell High School. At College of the Sequoias, Charlens helped the Giants to the state’s best record (28-3) and a final four appearance with head coach Rusty Smith in 2003-2004.
A native of San Diego (University City High School), Charlens received his a bachelor's degree in Psychology from San Francisco State, and a master's degree in Physical Education from Chico State.
Charlens' playing career included two seasons at San Francisco State, and he ended his tenure with the Gators by scoring 20 points with five three-pointers against UC Davis, that year's national champion.
He resides in San Diego with his wife Dr. Erin Charlens, sons Brandon and Jay, and daughter Chloe.
