UPDATE: Significant coaching changes are reshaping men’s college basketball as we approach the 2025-26 season. With just under three months until tip-off, 58 jobs have been filled or vacated, signaling a dramatic shift in the landscape of college hoops.
The coaching carousel began spinning after a tumultuous 2024-25 season, marked by Tony Bennett’s unexpected retirement at Virginia and the tragic death of Amir Abdur-Rahim at South Florida. These events set the stage for a whirlwind of hiring and firing, culminating in some of the most high-profile moves in recent memory.
Among the prominent changes, Jai Lucas has been appointed head coach at Miami, while Alex Jensen will lead Utah. In a surprising twist, Luke Loucks returns to his alma mater to take over at Florida State. Additionally, Darian DeVries was hired by Indiana after just one season at West Virginia, showcasing the intense competition for top coaching talent.
Other notable changes include Will Wade, who joined NC State following his exit from McNeese, and Sean Miller, who was hired at Texas after a successful run with Xavier. The hiring of Richard Pitino at Xavier adds another layer to the competitive Big East, where he will face off against his father, Rick Pitino, next season.
As teams navigate these changes, the emotional impact on players and fans is palpable. The NCAA tournament’s aftermath has led to most coaching changes being finalized, with the final list available as of August 5.
Here’s a brief overview of the current coaching landscape:
– **Alabama A&M**: Donte Jackson takes over for Otis Hughley Jr.
– **Indiana**: Darian DeVries replaces Mike Woodson.
– **Florida State**: Luke Loucks succeeds Leonard Hamilton.
– **Texas**: Sean Miller steps in after Rodney Terry’s dismissal.
– **Miami**: Jai Lucas is now the head coach, replacing Jim Larrañaga.
The 2025-26 season promises to be one of the most exciting yet, with numerous new faces in key positions. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how these changes will impact team performance and rivalries.
As we move closer to the season, keep an eye on the coaching landscape, as more changes may still be on the horizon. Stay tuned for the latest updates and complete lists of coaching changes across all divisions.
With the stakes high and the competition fierce, the college basketball world is buzzing with anticipation. Will these new hires lead their teams to greatness, or will they face an uphill battle in a fiercely competitive landscape? Only time will tell as the countdown to the new season begins.
