College basketball coaches fulfill various roles, including recruitment, coaching, mentoring, and player development. This challenging job deserves commendation when executed effectively. Below is the list of the top 25 college basketball coaches.
Note: First-year coaches are excluded from this ranking, regardless of their potential.
For reference, here are last year’s rankings.
25-21
25. Mark Pope, Kentucky Wildcats
Last Year’s Rank: N/A
Pope had a remarkable first year at Kentucky, leading the Wildcats to a No. 3 seed and the Sweet Sixteen after a successful tenure at BYU.
24. Tommy Lloyd, Arizona Wildcats
Last Year’s Rank: N/A
Lloyd has achieved three Sweet Sixteen appearances in his four years as head coach, but he will need to leverage his talented rosters to go deeper in the tournament.
23. Mick Cronin, UCLA Bruins
Last Year’s Rank: 19
Cronin guided UCLA to the second round last season after missing out previously, boasting a Final Four and two Sweet Sixteen trips during his tenure.
20-16
20. Dusty May, Michigan Wolverines
Last Year’s Rank: 20
After leading FAU to the Final Four, May’s debut season at Michigan included a Sweet Sixteen appearance, signaling a bright future.
19. Dana Altman, Oregon Ducks
Last Year’s Rank: 18
Oregon has faced two consecutive second-round exits in the NCAA Tournament, yet Altman has a Final Four and an impressive 780 career wins.
18. Eric Musselman, USC Trojans
Last Year’s Rank: 12
Musselman dropped in the rankings after failing to reach the NCAA Tournament last season, but he has previously led teams to significant postseason success.
15-11
15. Greg McDermott, Creighton Blue Jays
Last Year’s Rank: 14
Creighton has reached the second round for five consecutive seasons under McDermott, who seeks to conclude his coaching tenure on a high note.
14. Rick Pitino, St. John’s Red Storm
Last Year’s Rank: 22
Pitino’s climb in the rankings follows a stellar season, and continued NCAA success could elevate him even further.
13. Rick Barnes, Tennessee Volunteers
Last Year’s Rank: 13
Barnes has led Tennessee to back-to-back Elite Eight appearances, yet he is still chasing a Final Four run.
10-6
10. John Scheyer, Duke Blue Devils
Last Year’s Rank: 25
Scheyer has steadily progressed at Duke, advancing from the second round to the Final Four, and continues to attract top recruits.
9. Nate Oats, Alabama Crimson Tide
Last Year’s Rank: 7
Oats has enjoyed success at both Buffalo and Alabama, including a Final Four and an Elite Eight appearance.
8. Bruce Pearl, Auburn Tigers
Last Year’s Rank: 8
Pearl led Auburn to his second Final Four last season, maintaining a solid career record across multiple programs.
5-1
5. Scott Drew, Baylor Bears
Last Year’s Rank: 5
Despite consecutive second-round exits post-championship, Drew remains a stellar coach, boasting a 486-270 record.
4. Mark Few, Gonzaga Bulldogs
Last Year’s Rank: 3
Few continues to elevate Gonzaga to elite status, though recent seasons have seen a slight decline in performance.
3. Kelvin Sampson, Houston Cougars
Last Year’s Rank: 4
With two Final Fours, Sampson has completely transformed Houston into a perennial contender with a 299-84 record.
2. Bill Self, Kansas Jayhawks
Last Year’s Rank: 2
Self boasts two national titles and an illustrious coaching record, striving to return Kansas to elite contention after a less favorable seed last season.
1. Dan Hurley, UConn Huskies
Last Year’s Rank: 1
Hurley has achieved remarkable success with back-to-back titles, and although last season wasn’t as stellar, he aims to restore UConn’s dominance.
Also in Consideration
Randy Bennett, St. Mary’s Gaels – Known for consistent NCAA Tournament appearances.
Brad Brownell, Clemson Tigers – Trending positively despite last year’s first-round loss.
Greg Gard, Wisconsin Badgers – Has had early success but seeks to recapture that momentum.
Dennis Gates, Missouri Tigers – Aims to achieve stability after mixed seasons.
Buzz Williams, Maryland Terrapins – Looking to break through in the NCAA Tournament with a new roster.
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