The 2024-25 men’s college basketball season has been a whirlwind of unexpected events and significant coaching changes. With the season kicking off in November, two interim head coaches took the reins at Virginia and South Florida due to unforeseen circumstances.
As the season progressed, the coaching carousel began to spin faster, leading to notable hires and firings across major programs. This article provides an in-depth look at the coaching changes and the implications for the 2025-26 season.
The Coaching Carousel: An Overview
The coaching carousel in men’s college basketball is always a topic of great interest, and the 2024-25 season has been no exception. The season began with interim head coaches at Virginia and South Florida due to Tony Bennett’s retirement and Amir Abdur-Rahim’s untimely death, respectively.
As the season progressed, several high-profile programs announced coaching changes that have set the stage for an exciting 2025-26 season.
Key Coaching Changes
Among the most significant changes, Duke assistant Jai Lucas has been selected to lead the Miami Hurricanes once the regular season concludes. Meanwhile, Dallas Mavericks assistant Alex Jensen is set to take over as head coach of the Utah Utes, and Sacramento Kings assistant Luke Loucks will return to his alma mater to coach the Florida State Seminoles.
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Indiana and NC State Make Bold Moves
On the first day of the First Four games in the 2025 NCAA tournament, Indiana announced the hiring of Darian DeVries from West Virginia, despite his short tenure with the Mountaineers. NC State also made headlines by bringing in Will Wade after his McNeese Cowboys were eliminated from the tournament in the round of 32.
Tracking the Coaching Changes
The coaching changes for the 2025-26 season are extensive, affecting numerous programs across the country. Below is a detailed list of the schools, outgoing coaches, and their replacements:
- Bellarmine Knights: Scott Davenport / Doug Davenport
- Campbell Fighting Camels: Kevin McGeehan / John Andrzejek
- Chicago State Cougars: Scott Spinelli / TBD
- Colorado State Rams: Niko Medved / TBD
- Columbia Lions: Jim Engles / TBD
- Denver Pioneers: Jeff Wulbrun / TBD
- Drake Bulldogs: Darian DeVries / Ben McCollum
- Florida State Seminoles: Leonard Hamilton / Luke Loucks
- Fordham Rams: Keith Urgo / TBD
- Indiana Hoosiers: Mike Woodson / Darian DeVries
- Iona Gaels: Tobin Anderson / Dan Geriot
- Iowa Hawkeyes: Fran McCaffery / Ben McCollum
- La Salle Explorers: Fran Dunphy / Darris Nichols
- Longwood Lancers: Griff Aldrich / Ronnie Thomas
- Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns: Bob Marlin / Quannas White
- McNeese Cowboys: Will Wade / TBD
- Miami Hurricanes: Jim Larrañaga / Jai Lucas
- Minnesota Golden Gophers: Ben Johnson / Niko Medved
- Murray State Racers: Steve Prohm / Ryan Miller
- NC State Wolfpack: Kevin Keatts / Will Wade
- Oral Roberts Golden Eagles: Russell Springmann / TBD
- Pennsylvania Quakers: Steve Donahue / TBD
- Radford Highlanders: Darris Nichols / TBD
- Sacramento State Hornets: Michael Czepil (interim) / TBD
- South Florida Bulls: Amir Abdur-Rahim / TBD
- Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks: Kyle Keller / Matt Braeuer
- Texas Longhorns: Rodney Terry / TBD
- UL Monroe Warhawks: Keith Richard / TBD
- UNLV Rebels: Kevin Kruger / TBD
- Utah Utes: Craig Smith / Alex Jensen
- VCU Rams: Ryan Odom / TBD
- Villanova Wildcats: Kyle Neptune / TBD
- Virginia Cavaliers: Tony Bennett / Ryan Odom
- West Virginia Mountaineers: Darian DeVries / TBD
Implications for the 2025-26 Season
The extensive list of coaching changes will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the upcoming season. Programs like Miami and Florida State will be looking to their new leaders to bring fresh perspectives and strategies to their teams.
Challenges and Opportunities
The hiring of experienced assistants from the NBA, such as Alex Jensen and Luke Loucks, indicates a trend towards integrating professional-level coaching techniques into the college game.
While the new hires bring a wealth of experience and potential, they also face numerous challenges. Transitioning to a new program, building rapport with players, and meeting high expectations from fans and alumni are just a few of the hurdles these coaches will need to overcome.
However, these changes also present significant opportunities for growth and success. Programs that have struggled in recent years may find new life under fresh leadership, while already successful teams could reach new heights.
Looking Ahead
As we look forward to the 2025-26 season, it will be fascinating to see how these coaching changes play out. Will Jai Lucas lead the Miami Hurricanes to new heights? Can Alex Jensen bring the Utah Utes back to prominence? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the upcoming season promises to be one of the most exciting and unpredictable in recent memory.
Conclusion
The 2024-25 men’s college basketball season has been marked by significant coaching changes that will shape the landscape of the sport for years to come. With new leaders at the helm of major programs, the 2025-26 season is set to be a thrilling ride.
For more detailed information on all the coaching changes, be sure to check out the coaching changes tracker on ESPN.
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