In Sutton's college career, he played under his father at both the University of Kentucky during the 1988 and 1989 seasons and at OSU during the 1991 and 1992 seasons. He was known as a smart, steady point guard who led the Cowboys to Sweet Sixteen appearances both seasons he played there. He is the only player in OSU history to record at least 20 points and 10 assists in the same game.
Coaching career
He began his coaching career on the staff of Rob Evans at the University of Mississippi during the 1993 season. After that season, he returned to his alma mater to work for and learn from his father and gradually earning the titles "Associate Head Coach" and "Head Coach Designate". During this time, he also gained a reputation as an excellent recruiter, bringing in many highly-ranked recruiting classes to the program.
Oklahoma State announced on February 13, 2006, the 69-year-old Eddie Sutton would take medical leave following his DUI accident and that Sean will finish the remainder of the season as interim head coach. During that time, Sean compiled an unofficial record of 5-6 including an 81-60 upset of the sixth-ranked Texas Longhorns. On May 19, 2006, Eddie Sutton announced his retirement as head coach and designated his son, Sean, to become the official men's basketball head coach on June 30, 2006. Sean would coach the next two seasons, compiling 22–13 and 17–16 overall records, respectively, and losing in the first round of the NIT both seasons. On April 1 2008, Sutton resigned under pressure as head coach of OSU with a record of 39-29.1 He will be paid the remaining three years of his five-year contract. The elder Sutton, currently the head coach at San Francisco, stated that he would not return to Oklahoma State.2Travis Ford, formerly the coach at UMass was hired as a replacement
Personal
Sutton graduated from Oklahoma State with a degree in social studies in 1992. He and his wife, the former Trena Winters, have three sons: Hunter (14), Spencer (9) and Sean Parker (4). His brother Scott is the basketball coach of Oral Roberts.