R-Jay Barsh joined the Gonzaga University men’s basketball staff as an assistant coach in April 2023, bringing more than 15 years of coaching experience across multiple levels of collegiate basketball. Prior to Gonzaga, Barsh spent the 2022–23 season at Florida State under head coach Leonard Hamilton, following a successful three-year stint at Boise State. While with the Broncos, he helped guide the program to a historic 2021–22 season that included 27 wins, a Mountain West regular-season title, and a conference tournament championship, culminating in an NCAA Tournament appearance. Across his time at Boise State, the program averaged more than 20 wins per season and established itself as a consistent contender.
Before returning to the Division I level, Barsh served as head coach at Southeastern University, where he led the program to multiple NAIA National Tournament appearances and a deep postseason run to the Fab Four in just his second season. His earlier coaching experience includes roles at Tacoma Community College, where he helped secure a conference championship, and at the University of Puget Sound, his alma mater. As a former collegiate player, Barsh competed at Tacoma Community College and later earned his degree in communications from Puget Sound. Known for his energy in recruiting and player development, he adds a wealth of experience and leadership to Gonzaga’s nationally prominent program.
