top NCAA Basketball Coaches Primed for March Madness 2025
As the 2024-25 college basketball season draws to a close and March Madness approaches,several coaches have distinguished themselves through exceptional leadership,strategic acumen,and the ability to navigate the complexities of modern college athletics. From seasoned veterans to rising stars, these coaches have positioned their teams for deep tournament runs.
The Elite Five: Coaches to Watch in the 2025 NCAA Tournament
1. Tom Izzo, Michigan State Spartans
A Hall of Fame inductee and the all-time winningest coach in Big Ten history, Tom Izzo continues to set the standard. Guiding the Spartans to their 27th consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance, Izzo has transformed a team initially projected to finish fifth in the Big Ten into a legitimate national title contender. IzzoS accolades include a National Championship (2000) and eight Final four appearances.
2.Rick Pitino, St. John’s Red Storm
Rick Pitino, a Hall of Famer, is poised to make history by leading his sixth different school to the NCAA Tournament. Pitino, 72, has already guided three different schools to the Final Four and secured national championships at both Kentucky and Louisville.This season, he led a St. John’s team picked to finish fifth in the Big East to an outright regular season title, earning them a No. 6 ranking.
3. Kelvin sampson, Houston Cougars
A two-time National Coach of the Year, Kelvin Sampson has built Houston into a defensive powerhouse. The Cougars have dominated the Big 12, finishing atop the conference standings and consistently ranking among the nation’s best in points allowed.Sampson has led four different schools to the NCAA Tournament, including Final Four appearances with Oklahoma and Houston.
4. Todd Golden, Florida Gators
In his third year, Todd Golden has exceeded expectations with the Florida Gators, positioning them as a potential one-seed in the NCAA Tournament. Under Golden’s leadership, Florida has become a dominant force on the boards and a high-scoring team, boasting top rankings in rebounding, scoring, and point differential.
5. Grant McCasland, Texas Tech Red Raiders
Grant McCasland has made a important impact in his second season at Texas Tech. The Red Raiders, unranked in the preseason, finished second in the Big 12. McCasland’s coaching journey includes success at various levels, highlighted by an NJCAA championship, a Division II Elite Eight appearance and leading North Texas to their first ever tournament victory in 2021.
Other Coaches to Watch
Here’s a swift look at other coaches who are expected to make some noise in the tournament:
- 6. Bruce pearl– Auburn Tigers
- 7. Jon Scheyer- Duke Blue Devils
- 8. Kevin Willard– Maryland Terrapins
- 9. Pat Kelsey– Louisville Cardinals
- 10. Kevin Young– BYU Cougars
And let’s not leave out these honorable mentions:
- 11. Dennis Gates- Missouri Tigers
- 12. Brad Brownell– Clemson Tigers
- 13. Anfernee Hardaway– Memphis Tigers
**Besides the coaches highlighted in the article, who are some other notable coaches to keep an eye on during March Madness 2025, and why might they surprise fans?**
NCAA Basketball Coaches: Q&A for March Madness 2025
Q: What makes these coaches stand out for March Madness 2025?
A: The article highlights coaches with exceptional leadership, strategic skills, and the ability to navigate the ever-changing landscape of college basketball. They’ve all positioned their teams for deep tournament runs through strong regular season performances.
Q: Who is Tom Izzo and why is he considered an elite coach?
A: Tom Izzo is the head coach of the Michigan State Spartans. He’s in the Hall of Fame and holds the record for most wins in big Ten history. Izzo has led the Spartans to 27 consecutive NCAA Tournaments and won a national championship in 2000. He also has 8 Final Four appearances.
Trivia: Izzo is known for his intense coaching style and ability to get the most out of his players, especially in March.
Q: What’s significant about Rick Pitino’s potential NCAA Tournament appearance?
A: Rick Pitino is aiming to lead his sixth different school to the NCAA Tournament, a feat unmatched in college basketball history. He’s already won national championships at Kentucky and Louisville. This year he coaches the St. John’s Red Storm.
Actionable Advice: Keep an eye on Pitino’s team; his experience in the tournament is invaluable.
Q: How has kelvin Sampson built Houston into a top team?
A: Kelvin Sampson has turned Houston into a defensive powerhouse. He is a two-time National Coach of the Year. The Cougars consistently rank among the nation’s best in points allowed and have dominated the Big 12. This is due to his focus on defense.
Trivia: Sampson has led four different schools to the NCAA Tournament, including Final Four appearances with Oklahoma and Houston.
Q: What is Todd Golden doing at Florida?
A: In his third year,Todd Golden has exceeded expectations at Florida. He has positioned the Gators as a potential one-seed in the NCAA Tournament by making them a dominant force on the boards and a high-scoring team, with top rankings in rebounding, scoring, and point differential.
Q: Who is Grant McCasland and what has he accomplished?
A: Grant McCasland is the coach for the Texas Tech Red Raiders. In only his second season, he has made a significant impact. His coaching journey includes success at multiple levels, including an NJCAA championship, a Division II Elite Eight appearance, and leading North Texas to their ever tournament victory.
Q: Are there any other coaches to watch?
A: Yes, the article lists Bruce Pearl (Auburn), Jon Scheyer (Duke), Kevin Willard (Maryland), Pat Kelsey (Louisville), and Kevin young (BYU). There are also honorable mentions including Dennis Gates (Missouri), Brad Brownell (Clemson), and Anfernee Hardaway (Memphis).
As you prepare for March Madness 2025, keep these coaches and their teams on your radar – they’re poised to make this tournament unforgettable!
