A look at
coaches who have done outstanding jobs at the mid-major
level this season.
March 5, 2009
As we near the end of the regular season, it is time to
consider candidates for the top mid-major coach in
America. At this point, I have no idea who has earned my
vote. Clearly, a number of top coaches come to mind.
Perennial candidate, Mark Few of Gonzaga is certainly on
the list, as are Fran McCafferey at Siena, Brad Stevens at
Butler, Dana Altman at Creighton, Bob McKillop of Davidson
and Randy Bennett at St. Mary’s.
These six have all done outstanding work this year and are
well known, successful coaches. Now let’s take a look at
some other mid-major coaches who deserve mention.
VIRGINIA GENTLEMEN
At the sake of looking biased, I have to give a nod to a
quartet of coaches in my home state of Virginia:
Duggar Baucom-VMI: After revamping VMI basketball
just prior to the 2006-07 season, Baucom has led the
Keydets to the top of the NCAA scoring charts. Many have
tried the high octane approach before, but not too many
have succeeded. Baucom has led VMI to a regular season
mark of 22-7, and a #2 seed in the Big South tourney.
Brad Greenberg-Radford: A basketball lifer,
Greenberg has brought respectability to Radford
basketball. Despite a 3-8 start this season, the
Highlanders rebounded to finish 18-11, earning a #1 seed
in the Big South tournament. Greenberg is part of the top
brother tandem in Division I basketball coaching, as his
brother Seth is the Head Coach a few minutes down the road
at Virginia Tech.
Ritchie McKay-Liberty: Rounding out this Big South
trio, McKay has led Liberty to the promised land,
contending for the Big South title. An early season
victory over ACC foe Virginia was a harbinger of things to
come. Seth Curry, younger brother of Steph, and a cast of
others, has led the Flames to a 21-10 record. Since coming
to Liberty from New Mexico, McKay has lured top flight
talent to Lynchburg, Virginia. Has the Big South become
the cradle of coaches?
Matt Brady-James Madison: Not to be outdone by his
Big South brethren, Brady has breathed new life into a
dormant James Madison program. Prior to this season, the
Dukes amassed a dismal 25-63 record over three years.
Though they have limped to the finish line this year,
Madison has finished the regular season at 18-13 in a
season marked by significant injuries. The future looks
bright for JMU, as a host of freshmen contributed to the
turnaround.
Let’s move outside of Virginia and look at a few more
strong coaching jobs this year.
WHO IS HE?
Though not household names, these coaches have done
outstanding jobs this season.
Kevin Broadus-Binghamton: In his second season at
the helm, the former Georgetown and George Washington
assistant has vaulted the Bearcats to the top seed in the
America East tourney with a 20-8 record.
Randy Rahe-Weber State: Rahe is one whose phone may
start ringing after the season. He has led the Wildcats to
their second 20-win mark in three years, as they finished
the regular season at 20-8, and 14-1 in the Big Sky.
Ben Jacobsen-Northern Iowa, Tim Jankovich-Illinois
State: Creighton tends to get a lot of accolades in
the Missouri Valley Conference, but Northern Iowa (20-10)
and Illinois State (22-8) have had outstanding seasons.
Mike Rice-Robert Morris: The Pitt Panthers are not
the only good college basketball team in Greater
Pittsburgh, as former Pitt assistant Mike Rice has done an
outstanding job at Robert Morris (21-10).
Bret Campbell-Tennessee-Martin: Led by All-American
candidate Lester Hudson, the Skyhawks have soared to a
21-8 mark and the regular season Ohio Valley title.
Saul Phillips-North Dakota State: North Dakota
State?? Yes, North Dakota State! Coach Phillips has put
them on the map with a 23-6 mark at the top of the Summit
League.
Steve Shields-Arkansas Little Rock: Shields has led
UALR to a 23-7 record, including victories over other
fellow mid-major powers Creighton and Northern Illinois.
BEEN THERE DONE THAT
These coaches have had success throughout their careers,
either at their current school or at past locations.
Joe Mihalich-Niagara: Mihalich has done a
tremendous job in his time at Niagara, and this year is no
different as the Purple Eagles stand at 24-7, forming a
strong one-two punch with Siena in the MAAC.
Todd Bozeman-Morgan State: The former Cal coach has
vaulted Morgan State to the top of the MEAC with a 19-11
record, with eyes on a ticket to the dance.
Bobby Cremins-College of Charleston: After years of
being on the radar at Georgia Tech, Cremins is back in the
mix, after leading the Cougars to a 23-7 mark, finishing
behind Davidson in the Southern Conference.
READY FOR A MOVE?
Many successful mid-major coaches receive interest when
jobs open in the major conferences. Here are two who may
get the call.
Jeff Jones-American University: The Eagles have
followed up last season’s breakthrough NCAA tourney
appearance with a 21-7 record, going 13-1 in the Patriot
League, as American looks to return to the dance. Jones
could be in the previous category of “been there, done
that,” as he led Virginia to multiple post season
appearances before departing Charlottesville. He may once
again be a hot name at season’s end.
Mike Lonergan-Vermont: Lonergan’s resume may result
in a move in the not too distant future. Having won a
Division III national championship in his days at Catholic
University, Lonergan has led the Catamounts to a 23-7
record, as Vermont has won 14 of 15.
This is by no means a complete list, as numerous other
coaches have gotten it done this year. I am more confused
than ever about how to cast my vote for the
Hugh Durham Award. Though
this may not be the year a mid-major pulls off another
“George Mason” in the NCAA tourney, there are clearly a
number of highly successful mid-major coaches. I think I
need to sleep on it for a couple of nights before casting
my vote!
Brian Doyle is an Assistant Principal and Associate Head
Coach at Centreville High School in Clifton, Virginia. Prior to
becoming Assistant Principal, Doyle was a high school head coach
for thirteen years. Brian also serves as member of the voting
panel for the prestigious Hugh Durham National Coach of the Year
Award.
