Marquette head coach Tom Crean officially renewed his relationship with Dwayne Stephens on June 8, 1999, when Stephens joined Crean's coaching staff.

“I realized early in Dwayne's playing days at Michigan State that he would make an excellent coach once his playing career was over,” said Crean. “I am excited about bringing Dwayne to Marquette and having the chance to help develop the outstanding qualities he possesses. He was always an outstanding worker as a player, as well as a high achiever. There is no doubt that he will continue to be that at Marquette.”

“I've known Coach Crean since I was in high school and he has always been a very hard worker,” said Stephens. “This is a great chance for me to coach with someone I feel close to. I know there are a lot of things that I can learn from him. Coach is a person in this business who you want to grow up and be like.”

Stephens spent the 1997-98 and 1998-99 seasons as an assistant coach at Oakland University, where the Grizzlies compiled a 27-27 overall record. This past season, Oakland's first as a Division I member, the Grizzlies were 12-15.

Stephens earned four letters at Michigan State from 1990-93 and helped the Spartans to an 84 38 overall record and four postseason appearances. In 1989-90, Stephens' first collegiate campaign, MSU won the Big 10 title and advanced to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament. Stephens hit a last-second basket against Purdue to give the Spartans the outright Big 10 crown. Crean was a graduate assistant coach on the Spartan staff that season.

His teammates chose him the MVP of the 1991-92 squad that was 22-8 and advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. He also was named the team's most improved player that season. Stephens was picked his team's top defensive player in 1991 and 1993. In 1992-93, he served as co-captain with Mike Peplowski. Stephens also played with current NBA players Steve Smith and Eric Snow. Stephens ranks 34th all-time in Michigan State history with 893 points. He also was a collegiate teammate of Eric Snow, who is currently a member of the Philadelphia 76ers.

Following the conclusion of his collegiate career, Stephens played three professional seasons in Europe. A native of Ferndale, Mich., he earned a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Michigan State in 1993.