The California State University system consists of 23 distinct individual universities, each operating its own independent athletic department, meaning there is no single "CSU coach" for the entire system. Each campus, such as CSU Bakersfield, Fresno State, or Cal State Fullerton, conducts separate searches to hire head coaches for their respective basketball and football programs based on local budget, institutional needs, and athletic direction. Whenever a vacancy arises, the athletic director at that specific university manages the recruitment and hiring process for their replacement.