Hiring a Final Four Coach

[I’m The Village Idiot]

I know there’s been a lot of discussion about the need to hire a coach with Final Four experience, so I tried to dig up and find out which coaches are still active who have made one. I threw a few inactive ones in there as well, in case anyone wanted to discuss those.

If I missed any active Final Four coaches, let me know.


Dana Altman (Oregon)
Rick Barnes (Tennessee)
Chris Beard (Ole Miss)
John Calipari (Arkansas)
Mick Cronin (UCLA)
Hubert Davis (North Carolina)
Scott Drew (Baylor)
Brian Dutcher (San Diego State)
Mark Few (Gonzaga)
Todd Golden (Florida)
Dan Hurley (UConn)
Tom Izzo (Michigan State)
Thad Matta (Butler)
Rick Pitino (St. John’s)
Kelvin Sampson (Houston)
Jon Scheyer (Duke)
Bill Self (Kansas)
Shaka Smart (Marquette)
Dusty May (Michigan)
Nate Oats (Alabama)
Frank Martin (Massachusetts)
Matt Painter (Purdue)


Inactive/Retired: Bob Huggins, Jay Wright, Bruce Pearl, Kevin Keatts, Billy Donovan, Tony Bennett, Paul Hewitt, John Belein.

 

[I’m The Village Idiot]

I’ll be honest, most of those names don’t excite me. There’s a few that I’d hope want to be here but most of the ones I would want definitely aren’t coming.

 

[Agent Redbone]

I really like Chris Beard

 

[CELTICAT]

The Chicago Bulls happen to have a final four coach.

 

[I’m The Village Idiot]

The Chicago Bulls happen to have a final four coach.

Good call, I’ll add Donovan to the inactive list.

 

[Vek96]

I know there’s been a lot of discussion about the need to hire a coach with Final Four experience, so I tried to dig up and find out which coaches are still active who have made one. I threw a few inactive ones in there as well, in case anyone wanted to discuss those.

If I missed any active Final Four coaches, let me know.


Dana Altman (Oregon)
Rick Barnes (Tennessee)
Chris Beard (Ole Miss)
Tony Bennett (Virginia)
John Calipari (Arkansas)
Mick Cronin (UCLA)
Hubert Davis (North Carolina)
Scott Drew (Baylor)
Brian Dutcher (San Diego State)
Mark Few (Gonzaga)
Todd Golden (Florida)
Dan Hurley (UConn)
Tom Izzo (Michigan State)
Jim Larranaga (Miami)
Thad Matta (Butler)
Rick Pitino (St. John’s)
Kelvin Sampson (Houston)
Jon Scheyer (Duke)
Bill Self (Kansas)
Shaka Smart (Marquette)
Dusty May (Michigan)
Nate Oats (Alabama)

Inactive/Retired: Bob Huggins, Jay Wright, Bruce Pearl, Kevin Keatts

I’m all in on Shaka Smart. Pay him $50 million a year if that’s what it takes. He’s killing it at Marquette.

 

[I’m The Village Idiot]

I’m all in on Shaka Smart. Pay him $50 million a year if that’s what it takes. He’s killing it at Marquette.

6-10 so far this year. A lot of flameouts and 10+ loss seasons. You messin’ with me?

 

[Anon1759768907]

I know there’s been a lot of discussion about the need to hire a coach with Final Four experience, so I tried to dig up and find out which coaches are still active who have made one. I threw a few inactive ones in there as well, in case anyone wanted to discuss those.

If I missed any active Final Four coaches, let me know.


Dana Altman (Oregon)
Rick Barnes (Tennessee)
Chris Beard (Ole Miss)
Tony Bennett (Virginia)
John Calipari (Arkansas)
Mick Cronin (UCLA)
Hubert Davis (North Carolina)
Scott Drew (Baylor)
Brian Dutcher (San Diego State)
Mark Few (Gonzaga)
Todd Golden (Florida)
Dan Hurley (UConn)
Tom Izzo (Michigan State)
Jim Larranaga (Miami)
Thad Matta (Butler)
Rick Pitino (St. John’s)
Kelvin Sampson (Houston)
Jon Scheyer (Duke)
Bill Self (Kansas)
Shaka Smart (Marquette)
Dusty May (Michigan)
Nate Oats (Alabama)

Inactive/Retired: Bob Huggins, Jay Wright, Bruce Pearl, Kevin Keatts, Billy Donovan

theres a whopping like 6 on this list id be fine with

 

[Madhuvan]

I really like Chris Beard

Excellent coach rotting at Ole Miss.

 

[Argonaut]

We don’t necessarily need a final four coach as much as we need a passionate coach with an iron will to match our fanbase and weave through the media and boosters. Obviously record is important, but I want a coach who is consistent year after year more than getting a one hit wonder like Shaka Smart.

Who matches our passion while being a consistently good coach? There’s gotta be a coach like that out there, right? A Pitino or early Calipari mindset is what we need.

 

[I’m The Village Idiot]

We don’t necessarily need a final four coach as much as we need a passionate coach with an iron will to match our fanbase and weave through the media and boosters. Obviously record is important, but I want a coach who is consistent year after year more than getting a one hit wonder like Shaka Smart.

Who matches our passion while being a consistently good coach? There’s gotta be a coach like that out there, right? A Pitino or early Calipari mindset is what we need.

Idk man I think I’m kind of with you. If you get a Pearl or an Oats, you definitely are good to go. But if Pearl doesn’t want to compete in-conference against his son and Oats doesn’t want to leave Bama, I like Beard. If fans wouldn’t get behind Beard, maybe you do try to find a young gun that has the qualities you’re looking for.

 

[Crestcat]

6-10 so far this year. A lot of flameouts and 10+ loss seasons. You messin’ with me?

It's an off year

 

[I’m The Village Idiot]

It's an off year

I don’t mean to be disrespectful to Smart but he has a lot of off-years.

 

[Vek96]

6-10 so far this year. A lot of flameouts and 10+ loss seasons. You messin’ with me?

I was of course joking.

Some get my sense of humor. I can get a bit mean at times, but I do like to find humor in things.

 

[I’m The Village Idiot]

I was of course joking.

That makes a lot of sense. I was really holding back in respect for ya haha. Now I can say — yeah Shaka Smart is hot trash lol

 

[Argonaut]

Idk man I think I’m kind of with you. If you get a Pearl or an Oats, you definitely are good to go. But if Pearl doesn’t want to compete in-conference against his son and Oats doesn’t want to leave Bama, I like Beard. If fans wouldn’t get behind Beard, maybe you do try to find a young gun that has the qualities you’re looking for.

Like who is a fiery coach who doesn’t take BS? Are there any young guys like that? We know the obvious names but who is really passionate that a lot of fans aren’t familiar with?

 

[I’m The Village Idiot]

Like who is a fiery coach who doesn’t take BS? Are there any young guys like that? We know the obvious names but who is really passionate that a lot of fans aren’t familiar with?

What do you consider a young guy? Less than 45? Less than 40? Coz there aren’t many prominent coaches under 40.

 

[Argonaut]

What do you consider a young guy? Less than 45? Less than 40? Coz there aren’t many prominent coaches under 40.

I’d argue anyone under 50. Guess it doesn’t really matter. They could be someone like the next Curt Cignetti who has been overlooked for years.

I’m not familiar with him, but how’s that Ben McCollum fellow? Won multiple Division II titles and currently has Iowa at 12-3.

 

[I’m The Village Idiot]

I’d argue anyone under 50. Guess it doesn’t really matter. They could be someone like the next Curt Cignetti who has been overlooked for years.

Ben McCollum would be at the top of the under 50 list for me (that are possibly attainable)

I also have goo goo eyes for Byington because of his roster vision. McCollum is the more sure thing no doubt.

Will Wade hasn’t proven it yet at NC State but McNeese State was only a continuation of what he did at LSU. For some, that’s a baggage pickup.

I’d say if you’re more interested in getting the best possible players and taking a risk as far as acumen, Jai Lucas from Miami is an obvious one.

 

[Argonaut]

Ben McCollum would be at the top of the under 50 list for me (that are possibly attainable)

I also have goo goo eyes for Byington because of his roster vision. McCollum is the more sure thing no doubt.

McCollum’s record is kinda crazy. 4 Division II titles, lead Drake to a 30 win season his first year before taking the Iowa job and is currently ranked at Iowa which had a 17-16 record last year. All this and he’s only 44.

 

[I’m The Village Idiot]

McCollum’s record is kinda crazy. 4 Division II titles, lead Drake to a 30 win season his first year before taking the Iowa job and is currently ranked at Iowa which had a 17-16 record last year. All this and he’s only 44.

12-3 with Iowa this year and he’s won games against some impressive coaches

2025-26 Iowa Hawkeyes Men's Schedule and Results | College Basketball at Sports-Reference.com

Check out the detailed 2025-26 Iowa Hawkeyes Schedule and Results for College Basketball at Sports-Reference.com

www.sports-reference.com

First year at the school and he beat Chris Beard, blew out Richard Pitino, blew out Buzz Williams, beat Mick Cronin by a healthy margin and barely lost on the road to Otzelberger. Only “bad” loss was getting thumped by Izzo.

 

[PhilipVU94]

Frank Martin (UMass, where he's struggling)
Paul Hewitt (San Diego Clippers, G-League)
John Belein (effectively retired, but I think he's in a non-coaching role for the Pistons?)

Tony Bennett should be on the inactive/retired list, shouldn't he? I guess you could put Steve Fisher on that list too just for fun.

 

[I’m The Village Idiot]

Frank Martin (UMass, where he's struggling)
Paul Hewitt (San Diego Clippers, G-League)
John Belein (effectively retired, but I think he's in a non-coaching role for the Pistons?)

Tony Bennett should be on the inactive/retired list, shouldn't he? I guess you could put Steve Fisher on that list too just for fun.

You’re right about Bennett, can’t believe I missed that. I’ll add the rest of the names, including Belein. Obviously day for that one is long passed, but can’t hurt to add. Thanks

 

[KyKevin]

We don’t necessarily need a final four coach as much as we need a passionate coach with an iron will to match our fanbase and weave through the media and boosters. Obviously record is important, but I want a coach who is consistent year after year more than getting a one hit wonder like Shaka Smart.

Who matches our passion while being a consistently good coach? There’s gotta be a coach like that out there, right? A Pitino or early Calipari mindset is what we need.

You described Bruce Pearl to a T, he has the right temperament for the job, and would have respect right away. Make him a deal that makes him forget about the crooked fkn political bulls.hit.

 

[Argonaut]

You described Bruce Pearl to a T, he has the right temperament for the job, and would have respect right away. Make him a deal that makes him forget about the crooked fkn political bulls.hit.

I seriously hope boosters are buttering up Pearl right now. I’d be calling him every day, getting the details down.

 

[BCD]

Pearl would be primary. With a game plan to transfer ‘power’ in 3-4 years to anyone but his son.
Do they still have coaches in waiting?

 

[Dward13]

I love Pearl and he seems to love UK. But would he try to force his son on us like he did Auburn?

Maybe he’s worth taking a chance that his son will turn out to be really good too?

 

[I’m The Village Idiot]

I love Pearl and he seems to love UK. But would he try to force his son on us like he did Auburn?

He can’t. Think his son is tied up there at Auburn. Let me check on the contract length

Edit: 5 year deal

 

[Dward13]

He can’t. Think his son is tied up there at Auburn. Let me check on the contract length

Edit: 5 year deal

Well that would give us time to see for ourselves on Stephen Pearl

 

[I’m The Village Idiot]

Well that would give us time to see for ourselves on Stephen Pearl

Agreed

 

[LineSkiCat14]

I wonder if we could get Kelvin Samspon here. Granted hes 70. But thats a possibility because it seems he just cant get Houston over the hump and I would bet a big reason for that is that they just arent a basketball school (despite the Phi Slamma days). Thats a guy that I think you could lure away by offering him whatever he wants, as hes itching for a title after coming up short. But again, hes 70. So doubt its happening.

 

[I’m The Village Idiot]

I wonder if we could get Kelvin Samspon here. Granted hes 70. But thats a possibility because it seems he just cant get Houston over the hump and I would bet a big reason for that is that they just arent a basketball school (despite the Phi Slamma days). Thats a guy that I think you could lure away by offering him whatever he wants, as hes itching for a title after coming up short. But again, hes 70. So doubt its happening.

As much as I’d love that, I think you said it best in the last line. He’s got it made where he’s at. Also oil money.

 

[UKWildcats1987]

I'd prefer a trained monkey over Pope at this point.

 

[CrimsonCats_rivals]

I’m going to go against the grain and say that I don’t quite see Pearl as the potential savior a lot of you apparently do. He’s a good coach, but in an era where you don’t really need to be at a blue blood to succeed, last year was really his only dominant team at Auburn, and he had lots of first and second round exits that would never fly here sprinkled in. I also don’t see him being eager to get back on a sideline or he’d never have stepped down from there in the first place.

 

[I’m The Village Idiot]

I’m going to go against the grain and say that I don’t quite see Pearl as the potential savior a lot of you apparently do. He’s a good coach, but in an era where you don’t really need to be at a blue blood to succeed, last year was really his only dominant team at Auburn, and he had lots of first and second round exits that would never fly here sprinkled in. I also don’t see him being eager to get back on a sideline or he’d never have stepped down from there in the first place.

I think the argument has always been “what could he do with Kentucky resources?” I know that is probably not an angle some fans would want to consider because of Pope, but I believe in Pearl. To me, if he took the job, I feel he would kill it. Here’s the problem, I think just as you said, he probably wouldn’t. Not only is he retired with political aspirations, he also just handed the keys to his son at Auburn. I don’t see him competing with his son. That’s why I’ve been thinking about situations where we don’t get a top name coach. We may have to try to take another big swing. If you find the right young guy you can be set up nicely.

 

[NociHTTP]

Dana Altman (Oregon) - yes
Rick Barnes (Tennessee) - Barney Fife, no
Chris Beard (Ole Miss) - unstable upstairs
John Calipari (Arkansas) - NO
Mick Cronin (UCLA) - choker
Hubert Davis (North Carolina) - BARF
Scott Drew (Baylor) - hell no and you can mail him the word HELL
Brian Dutcher (San Diego State) - yes
Mark Few (Gonzaga) - yes please
Todd Golden (Florida) - I feel like he's too young, or looks young
Dan Hurley (UConn) - brilliant mind, but he's going to go after a fan or his own wife
Tom Izzo (Michigan State) - too old
Jim Larranaga (Miami) - don't know anything about him
Thad Matta (Butler) - No
Rick Pitino (St. John’s) - too old
Kelvin Sampson (Houston) - incredibe teacher of defense, he likes hard-nosed players
Jon Scheyer (Duke) - yes please
Bill Self (Kansas) - cries too much, but he can coach
Shaka Smart (Marquette) - one hit wonder
Dusty May (Michigan) - yes please
Nate Oats (Alabama) - yeap
Frank Martin (Massachusetts) - he's way too hot headed IMO
Brad Stevens (NBA) - yes please

 

[Dr.LutherSan]

Dana Altman (Oregon) - yes
Rick Barnes (Tennessee) - Barney Fife, no
Chris Beard (Ole Miss) - unstable upstairs
John Calipari (Arkansas) - NO
Mick Cronin (UCLA) - choker
Hubert Davis (North Carolina) - BARF
Scott Drew (Baylor) - hell no and you can mail him the word HELL
Brian Dutcher (San Diego State) - yes
Mark Few (Gonzaga) - yes please
Todd Golden (Florida) - I feel like he's too young, or looks young
Dan Hurley (UConn) - brilliant mind, but he's going to go after a fan or his own wife
Tom Izzo (Michigan State) - too old
Jim Larranaga (Miami) - don't know anything about him
Thad Matta (Butler) - No
Rick Pitino (St. John’s) - too old
Kelvin Sampson (Houston) - incredibe teacher of defense, he likes hard-nosed players
Jon Scheyer (Duke) - yes please
Bill Self (Kansas) - cries too much, but he can coach
Shaka Smart (Marquette) - one hit wonder
Dusty May (Michigan) - yes please
Nate Oats (Alabama) - yeap
Frank Martin (Massachusetts) - he's way too hot headed IMO
Brad Stevens (NBA) - yes please

Larranga is 76 and retired.

 

[I’m The Village Idiot]

Larranga is 76 and retired.

Thank you. Removed him. This started from a list I found on the internet and it still had several inactive coaches.

 

[LexingtonThoroughblade]

The Chicago Bulls happen to have a final four coach.

But I wonder for how much longer. It's not like Donovan has been setting the world on fire in Chicago all these years.

 

[GoAndRunIsGoneAndDone]

Tommy Lloyd would be high on my list but E8 last year was his deepest run as head coach. He went to multiple ff's as an assistant with Mark Few at Gonzaga.