Rising Stars: 20 Mid-Major Coaches Poised to Break into Power Conferences in 2025

Discover the top 20 mid-major basketball coaches ready to make the leap to power conferences in 2025, as the coaching carousel heats up.

20 Men's Basketball Coaches Ready to Make the Jump to Power Conferences

With several high-profile coaching vacancies expected in 2025, the spotlight is on the next wave of mid-major coaches poised to ascend to power conferences. Here’s a look at the 20 coaches industry insiders believe are ready for the leap:

  1. Ryan Odom, VCU Rams

    • Record: Led UMBC and Utah State to NCAA tournaments; VCU poised for Atlantic 10 title.
    • Highlight: 16-over-1 upset against Virginia in 2018.
  2. Alan Huss, High Point Panthers

    • Record: 53-14 in two seasons; back-to-back Big South titles.
    • Background: High-major recruiting experience from La Lumiere and Creighton.
  3. Bucky McMillan, Samford Bulldogs

    • Style: Up-tempo, known as "Bucky Ball."
    • Achievement: Back-to-back SoCon titles and NCAA appearance.
  4. Ben McCollum, Drake Bulldogs

    • Background: Four Division II national titles at Northwest Missouri State.
    • Current: Missouri Valley regular-season title in first year at Drake.
  5. Jerrod Calhoun, Utah State Aggies

    • Record: League title at Youngstown State in 2023.
    • Current: Likely NCAA tournament in first season at Utah State.
  6. Niko Medved, Colorado State Rams

    • Record: NCAA appearances in two of the last three seasons.
    • Recent Form: 10 wins in last 12 games.
  7. Russell Turner, UC Irvine Anteaters

    • Record: Seven Big West titles in 11 years.
    • Experience: High-major assistant at Wake Forest and Stanford.
  8. Takayo Siddle, UNC Wilmington Seahawks

    • Record: Four straight 20-win seasons.
    • Potential: CAA tourney title could boost his profile.
  9. Tony Skinn, George Mason Patriots

    • Background: Part of the 2006 Final Four team.
    • Current: Back-to-back 20-win seasons at George Mason.
  10. Eric Olen, UC San Diego Tritons

    • Achievement: Led transition from Division II to Division I.
    • Current: 26-4 record and Big West lead.
  11. Daniyal Robinson, Cleveland State Vikings

    • Record: 20-plus wins in three seasons.
    • Experience: Assistant at Iowa State.
  12. Ross Hodge, North Texas Mean Green

    • Reputation: Strong ties in Texas coaching circles.
    • Current: 15 wins in last 18 games in AAC.
  13. Matt Langel, Colgate Raiders

    • Record: Five Patriot League titles in six years.
    • Current: Down year but still a contender for high-major jobs.
  14. Preston Spradlin, James Madison Dukes

    • Achievement: Sun Belt title in first season.
    • Background: Two OVC titles at Morehead State.
  15. Drew Valentine, Loyola Chicago Ramblers

    • Record: NCAA tournament in 2022.
    • Current: Tied for third in Atlantic 10.
  16. Eric Henderson, South Dakota State Jackrabbits

    • Achievement: Four Summit League titles in five years.
    • Background: Continued legacy of Nagy and Otzelberger.
  17. Mike Morrell, UNC Asheville Bulldogs

    • Turnaround: From 4-27 to three straight 20-win seasons.
    • Highlight: NCAA tournament appearance in 2023.
  18. Bryan Hodgson, Arkansas State Red Wolves

    • Style: Modern offense with pace and 3s.
    • Achievement: Share of Sun Belt title this season.
  19. Mitch Henderson, Princeton Tigers

    • Record: Three straight Ivy titles.
    • Highlight: Sweet 16 run in 2023.
  20. Bob Richey, Furman Paladins

    • Achievement: Beat Virginia in 2023 NCAA tournament.
    • Record: Five 22-win seasons in six years.

Honorable Mentions

  • John Griffin, Bucknell
  • John Becker, Vermont
  • James Jones, Yale
  • Brian Wardle, Bradley
  • Josh Schertz, Saint Louis

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