Here are some of the best Year 1 coaches in college basketball for the 2024-25 season:
High-Major Coaches
– *Mark Pope, Kentucky*: Led the Wildcats to 24 wins, including victories over top-15 teams like Duke, Gonzaga and Tennessee. They finished sixth in the SEC.
– *Dusty May, Michigan*: Turned the Wolverines’ season around, earning 27 wins and a Sweet 16 appearance after inheriting a team that won just eight games the previous year.
– *Kevin Young, BYU*: Guided the Cougars to a 26-10 record, ranking top-10 in offensive efficiency, and a Sweet 16 showing in the NCAA Tournament.
– *Pat Kelsey, Louisville*: Restored respectability to the Cardinals, earning 27 wins and a second-place finish in the ACC.
– *John Calipari, Arkansas*: Led the Razorbacks to 22 wins and a Sweet 16 appearance despite injuries and an inconsistent offense.
– *Mark Byington, Vanderbilt*: Helped the Commodores break through with a 20-13 record, including a 15-3 start, in the challenging SEC.
Mid-Major Coaches
– *Ben McCollum, Drake*: Made an immediate impact, leading the Bulldogs to 31 wins and an NCAA Tournament victory.
– *Jerrod Calhoun, Utah State*: Earned 26 wins and a No. 10 seed in the NCAA Tournament.
– *Donny Lind, Mount St. Mary’s*: Took the Mountaineers to the NCAA Tournament with 23 wins.
– *Chris Mack, Charleston*: Delivered a strong debut season with 24 wins and a one-point semifinal loss in the CAA tournament.
– *Preston Spradlin, James Madison*: Built a solid foundation with 20 wins and a four-way tie atop the Sun Belt.
– *Cornelius Jackson, Marshall*: Led the Thundering Herd to 20 wins and a 12-6 record in the Sun Belt ¹.
