Coach Charlie Ernst, University of Findlay, Head Men’s Basketball Coach

Coach Charlie Ernst, who is one of the most successful coaches in NCAA DII men’s basketball, talks about many of the coaching nuggets that he has relied upon over the last 34-years (20-years as an assistant & 14-years as head coach) at the U. of Findlay. U. of Findlay home games are considered events in northwest Ohio. Those who want to attend a U. of F home game had better get to the Malcolm Athletic Center at least an hour prior to tip-off. U. of Findlay home basketball games are absolutely jam-packed & the atmosphere is electric!.

Ernst was named the Oilers head basketball coach on March 30, 2011, taking over for retired Ron Niekamp. Ernst had served as Niekamp’s assistant for 20 years before his promotion.

Since becoming head coach, Ernst has led his program to a pair of Sweet 16 appearances, seven NCAA Division II National Tournament appearances, four Great Midwest Athletic Conference (G-MAC) titles, four Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) South Division championships, and three GLIAC Tournament titles.

During his tenure at the helm of the Oilers, Ernst has consistently had his team ranked in the top-25 of the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) NCAA Division II poll, reaching as high as no. 5 in the country in the 2024-25 season. He has coached four NCAA Division II All-Americans, nine all-region and 26 all-conference players in his time as the head coach at UF. He was also voted the G-MAC Coach of the Year in 2017-18, 2018-19, and again in 2024-25.

In the 2008-09 campaign, Ernst, serving as the associate head coach, helped lead the Oilers to the best season in NCAA Division II history. The Oilers finished the season with a perfect 36-0 record en route to a NCAA Division II National Championship. For his efforts during the Oilers magical run to a championship, Ernst was selected as a “Rising Star” award winner, meaning he was one of five coaches in the NCAA to be named Assistant Coach of the Year. He was the only NCAA Division II coach on the list.

In addition to his in-season coaching, Ernst founded the UF Cager Club which serves as both a fundraising arm and booster club for the men’s basketball program. It has grown each year and currently boasts over 180 members with a dollar amount of over $12,000.

Ernst also remains extremely busy in the summer months. He directs the UF Oiler Basketball team camps. This past year, 190 schools participated in the four sessions (junior varsity and varsity) from three states. The Oilers team camp is considered one of the largest and best camps in Ohio. The camps also serve as a recruiting tool for Findlay.

Ernst graduated from The University of Findlay in 1992 with a bachelor’s degree in public relations and marketing. He holds a master’s degree in education from Findlay as well. While at Findlay, Ernst was a varsity letter-winner in both basketball and golf.

A native of Minster, Ohio, Ernst was a three-year letterman and two-time team MVP for Minster High School. He was also a two-time all-Midwest Athletic Conference selection and was named honorable mention all-Ohio during his career.

Ernst resides in Findlay with his wife, Belinda, and their daughter, Allison, and sons, Sam and Roger.