Associate head coach John Montgomery is leaving the University of Hawaii men’s basketball team to join Chris Acker’s coaching staff at Long Beach State.

Montgomery, 40, joined the Rainbow Warriors in 2015, Eran Ganot’s first season as head coach.

“I feel after nine years, it was time for a new challenge and to get closer to family,” Montgomery said. “That was the ultimate deciding factor.”

His sister, who is facing medical issues, and his parents live about an hour from the LBSU campus. His wife, Hannah, has relatives in Long Beach and San Diego.

“It’s really hard to leave here,” Montgomery said. “I love Hawaii. It’ll always be my second home. I met my wife here. We have a daughter. This is a very special place. I’ve forever be indebted to Eran for the opportunity in the nine years. I’ve got nothing negative to say about Hawaii. It’s all positive. Everything has been great. The people have been great. It’s definitely going to be hard to leave.”

Montgomery was the architect of the ’Bows’ defense. He also worked with the post players, coordinated scouting and passing, monitored academics and admissions, and worked with the strength/conditioning staff.

Montgomery’s grandfather, Jack Montgomery, was Long Beach State’s first athletic director. His father, Mike Montgomery, played at Long Beach State. Mike Montgomery, who coached Stanford to 12 NCAA Tournament appearances in 18 years, was inducted into the College Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016.

Montgomery will reunite with Acker, who was a UH assistant coach for two seasons through 2017. Last month, Acker signed a five-year contract as successor to Dan Monson.