Since Dan Hurley decided to stay with the UConn Huskies program instead of accepting a job with the Los Angeles Lakers, the coaching ranks in college are pretty strong. We’ve seen a number of coaches emerge as top choices in the sport over the years, and there are still some classics out there. But who are the best of the best? Here are the 10 best college basketball coaches heading into the 2024 season.
10. Rico Barnes, Tennessee
While Barnes has never won a championship as a coach, he consistently makes the Volunteers look like contenders. He barely makes this list simply because of his consistency as a coach. Barnes is a strong leader, who always has his guys ready to play strong defense. If Tennessee ever gets over the hump, Barnes will be seen in a more positive light among the bigs.
9. Nate Avena, Alabama
Oats has been a rising star with the Crimson Tide, leading them to their first Final Four in school history last season. Alabama has changed the narrative from simply being a football school and that is directly under Oats’ leadership. The program has shown no signs of slowing down and Oats is ready to continue pushing the limits with the Crimson Tide.
8. Rick Pitino, San Juan
Considered one of the greatest college coaches of all time, Petino has found a new home at St. John’s. He went 20-13 with them in his first season, the program’s first 20-win year since 2018-2019. Petino isn’t coaching a team that’s likely to compete for a title, but his history has him firmly on this list. He has won two NCAA championships during his long career, which helped him earn a good reputation.
7. Tony Bennett, Virginia
Considered a strong X’s and O’s coach, Bennett does things his way, even in the new version of college basketball. For a long time, Virginia was seen as just a regular-season type of team until they broke through and won the title in 2019. He has had incredible success at Virginia and has helped the Cavaliers become a mainstay of the sport. They should be good again this season, with Bennett looking for his second title.
6. Tom Izzo, Michigan State
Izzo’s teams have underperformed over the years despite being favorites entering the season at different times. But the Spartans head coach has moved on and is still considered one of the best in the business. Michigan State has participated in the NCAA Tournament for 26 consecutive years, an impressive achievement. He has one title to his name, but if he ever wants to climb the all-time list, he may need another to do it.
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – MARCH 20: Head coach Tom Izzo of the Michigan State Spartans speaks to the media during the practice day prior to the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at the Spectrum Center on March 20… CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – MARCH 20: Head Coach Tom Izzo of the Michigan State Spartans speaks to the media during the practice day prior to the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Spectrum Center on March 20, 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina. Izzo remains one of the best coaches in all of college basketball. More photography by Jared C. Tilton//Keynote USA/Getty Images
5. Scott Drew, Baylor
Winning the title in 2021 gave more credibility to the work Drew has done with the Bears. Over the past two decades, he has built Baylor into one of the premier programs in college basketball, which hasn’t been easy to do. He does a great job leading his teams, but he needs them to be a little more consistent if he ever wants to climb the rankings.
4. Marcos Few, Gonzaga
Few has coached the Bulldogs since 1999 and is considered one of the best names in the game today. However, he has yet to win a title, so he is a little lower on this list than others. He has led the Bulldogs to the Final Four twice during his tenure and has reached the tournament in every season he has been with the team. If Gonzaga ever breaks through and wins the title, Few will be seen in a much brighter light.
3. Kelvin Sampson, Houston
Sampson may not get as much publicity as others on this list, but he is a great head coach. Since he joined the Cougars, Sampson has led them to win the conference regular season title or tournament championship. He has a lot less to work with normally being in a smaller program, but he has made the most of it all. Houston was a favorite last season, but an injury to star Jamal Shead shortened its season. Sampson should have Houston back on the contender list this season.
2. Bill Self, Kansas
Self remains at the top of this list, but falls short of the number one spot. He helped lead Kansas to a title just three seasons ago and Kansas will be a favorite again this year as well. Self has more than 20 years of experience in the college game and won two championships with Kansas. He is still a big name across the country and will likely remain so in the future.
1. Dan Hurley, University of Connecticut
Hurley is the best college coach right now and his team has a chance at a third title this season. He is an energetic guy who brings out the best in his players every time he plays. Hurley has built such a strong culture with the Huskies that he was able to turn down one of the most illustrious coaching jobs in all of sports. UConn remains the favorite to win the title next season, with Hurley leading the way forward.
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