Christopher Newport University

Tyler Watkins has joined the Christopher Newport University men's basketball staff after spending the 2025-26 season as an assistant coach at Trinity Episcopal School in Richmond, Virginia. He was involved in all aspects of the program, including player development, scouting, film preparation and offensive implementation.

Watkins, a native of Midlothian, Va., spent two seasons as a graduate assistant with the VCU men’s basketball program under head coach Ryan Odom. During the 2024-25 season, the Rams posted a 28-7 record, captured the Atlantic 10 Tournament championship, shared the A-10 regular-season title and earned a berth in the NCAA Tournament. In 2023-24, VCU advanced to the NIT quarterfinals and finished with a 24-14 record. Watkins worked closely with VCU student-athletes in their preparation for professional workouts and opportunities, including Jack Clark, Joe Bamisile, Tobi Lawal and Max Shulga.

Watkins earned his master’s degree in Sport Leadership through the Center for Sport Leadership at VCU, and graduated from Virginia Tech in 2023 with a degree in finance.