With Dan Hurley choosing to stay with the UConn Huskies program over taking a job with the Los Angeles Lakers, the coaching ranks in college are pretty strong. We have seen a great number of coaches emerge as top options around the sport over the years, with a few classics still around. But who are the best of the best? Here are the top 10 coaches in college basketball as we head into the 2024 season.
10. Rich Barnes, Tennessee
While Barnes has never won a championship as a coach, he consistently has the Volunteers looking like a contender. He barely makes it onto this list simply due to his consistency as a coach. Barnes is a strong leader, who always has his guys ready to play some strong defense. If Tennessee ever can get over the hump, Barnes will be seen in a more positive light among the greats.
9. Nate Oats, Alabama
Oats has been a rising star with the Crimson Tide, leading them to their first-ever Final Four in school history this past season. Alabama has turned the narrative of just being a football school and that is directly under the leadership of Oats. The program has shown no signs of slowing down and Oats is ready to continue to push the envelope with the Crimson Tide.
8. Rick Pitino, St. John's
Regarded as one of the best college coaches of all time, Petino has found a new home with 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 likely will contend for a title but his history has him firmly on this list. He has won two NCAA championships during his long career, helping him earn a good reputation.
7. Tony Bennett, Virginia
Seen as a strong X's and O's type of coach, Bennett does things his way, even in the new version of college basketball. For a long time, Virginia was seen as only a regular season type of team until they broke through and won the title in 2019. He has been incredibly successful while at Virginia and has helped the Cavaliers become a mainstay in 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 chugged along and is still regarded as one of the best in the business. Michigan State has made the NCAA Tournament 26 straight years, an impressive accomplishment. He has a title to his name but if he ever wants to move up higher on the all-time list, he may need another to make it happen.
5. Scott Drew, Baylor
Winning the title in 2021 gave more credibility to the job that Drew has done with the Bears. Over the last two decades, he has turned 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 needs to have them be a little more consistent if he ever wants to climb the rankings.
4. Mark Few, Gonzaga
Few has led the Bulldogs since 1999 and is regarded as one of the better names in the game today. However, he has yet to win a title, which is why he is a little lower on this list than he may be on others. He has led the Bulldogs to the Final Four twice during his tenure and has made the tournament in each season he has been with the team. If Gonzaga can ever break through and win the title, Few will be seen in a much brighter light.
3. Kelvin Sampson, Houston
Sampson may not get as much hype as some others on this list, but he is a great head coach. Since joining the Cougars, Sampson has led them to winning either the conference regular season title or tournament championship. He has a lot less to work with normally being at 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 cut their season short. Sampson should have Houston right back toward the contenders list again this season.
2. Bill Self, Kansas
Self remains toward the top of this list but he falls just short of the No. 1 spot. He helped lead Kansas to a title just three seasons ago and Kansas will again be one of the favorites this year as well. Self has over 20 years of experience in the college game, having won two championships with Kansas. He remains a top name around the country and will likely continue to do so going forward.
1. Dan Hurley, UConn
Hurley is the best coach in college right now and his team has a chance to three-peat this season. He is an energetic guy who brings out the best of his players each time out on the floor. 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 this coming season, with Hurley leading the way forward.
About the writer
Matt Levine works as a contributing writer for Newsweek, covering multiple sports. He graduated in 2021 with a Master of ... Read more
