It’s that time of the year when college basketball fans look forward with anticipation as their favorite teams compete for a chance to play in the big dance. Coined March Madness, the NCAA Division 1 Men’s Basketball Tournament is a single elimination competition pitting champions from 32 Division 1 conferences and 36 at- large teams invited to the event based on their performance during the regular season. To celebrate the occasion, here are the top college basketball coaches by national championships.
What you get are five weeks of some of the most exciting basketball during the year as every bucket and defensive possession become a do-or-die scenario for teams to move forward to the crowning event, the national championship game. Since 1939, the Big Dance has been the stage for some of the most dramatic finishes, upsets and competitive feats within the sport of basketball, or for that matter, the entire cavalcade of sports.
Who can forget the breathtaking run by Jimmy Valvano’s North Carolina State Wolfpack in 1983 to defeat Guy Lewis and his University of Houston Cougars, nicknamed Phi Slamma Jamma, and led by future NBA Hall of Fame stars Clyde Drexler and Hakeem Olajuwon. It truly was a remarkable feat and illustrates the allure of March Madness. Any team can get hot and make a run like the 1997 Arizona Wildcats coached by Lute Olson. A number 4 seed in the Southeast Region, the Wildcats ran the table to beat tournament favorite Kentucky at the RCA Dome in Indianapolis.
Although there are incredible runs, for the most part though teams favored to win often do. In many instances, they do encounter challenges such as the 4.8 second dash by Tyus Edney against Missouri in 1995 to propel the UCLA Bruins onward where they would eventually beat the Arkansas Razorbacks in the national championship game. These dominant teams are often comprised of incredible athletes and some of the greatest coaches the game has ever seen.
Yes, there are many good, even great, college basketball coaches, many of whom have never won a national championship. However, there are those coaches who are part of an elite fraternity where they have won multiple national championships. They are on a pinnacle where many coaches aspire to be.
Here is a list of coaches who have climbed to that pinnacle by winning multiple national championships. The list is presented in order of wins.
Bill Self, Kansas University – Top College Basketball Coaches
Bill Self – Kansas University
National Championships – 2
Years Won – 2008, 2022
The Gist: Bill Self has held the position of Head Coach of Kansas since 2003. He accrued 14 consecutive Big 12 championships. He is a demonstration in consistency, that is not rivaled in contemporary college basketball. He coached Kansas to two college basketball championships, in 2008 and 2022. He is, by any objective measure, the greatest coach in Kansas history.
Coaching Philosophy: Bill Self is a prescription in structure. In an era when players have sidled in and out of his program, due to the shifts in eligibility or novel pay structures, Self adheres to routine. His practices are designed to establish muscle memory, whether in reference to rudimentary basketball skills, or Kansas’ preferred offensive and defensive schemes. Self has remained true to his desire in maintaining two established posts, while simultaneously emphasizing ball movement and screens. His program has faltered slightly with the introduction of NIL and the transfer portal, but it remains a significant presence on the college landscape.
Jay Wright, Villanova University
Jay Wright – Villanova University
National Championships – 2
Years Won – 2016, 2018
The Gist: Wright has led the Villanova Wildcats to five Big East conference championships and 13 NCAA Tournament appearances in his 17 seasons as head coach. Wright took Villanova to the Final Four in 2009. Wright then led Villanova to the 2016 NCAA Championship, defeating North Carolina on a memorable game-winning 3-point shot by Kris Jenkins. In addition to the 2016 championship, Wright and Villanova also won the 2018 NCAA Championship.
Coaching Philosophy: Wright’s program at Villanova was decidedly inconspicuous, excepting its extravagant success. Offensively, Wright valued plays that exhibited a player’s effort and willingness to entangle himself in the weeds. Extra passes, orthodox screens, assists, offensive rebounds, and quick outlets were placed at a premium. Defensively, he valued similar attributes, including contested shots, deflections, steals, and defensive rebounding. Wright placed an emphasis on details, on the minutiae that can separate a winning team from a losing team. It was prototypical Big East basketball.
Phil Woolpert, University of San Francisco Dons – Top College Basketball Coaches
Phil Woolpert – University of San Francisco Dons
National Championships – 2
Years Won – 1955, 1956
The Gist: Both the basketball coach and athletic director at the University of San Francisco, Woolpert’s teams were known for their defense. His national championship teams were dominant. Led by Bill Russell and K.C. Jones, the Dons won back-to-back national championships in 1955 and 1956. In fact, Woolpert’s teams were so dominant, at one point in time he held the longest winning streak at 60 games, which was later surpassed by John Wooden with 88.
Coaching Philosophy: As the coach who introduced Bill Russell to the world, it is unsurprising that Woolpert was notoriously stubborn when it came to defensive patterns and game control. Much like his most cherished pupil, Woolpert viewed the game from a defensive posture. Not at all enthusiastic about up-tempo schemes, Woolpert preferred the control offered by containing the game within the half-court. He was a methodical coach, whose emphasis upon fundamentals often clashed with the moody Russell, but which ultimately served Bill well during his vaunted NBA career.
Dean Smith, University of North Carolina Tar Heels – Top College Basketball Coaches
Dean Smith – University of North Carolina Tar Heels
National Championships – 2
Years Won – 1982, 1993
The Gist: The Basketball Hall of Fame called Dean Smith a “coaching legend.” His Tar Heel teams were some of the best to ever hit the hardwood. In fact, the Tar Heels now play their home games at the Smith Center. Smith is credited with breaking the color barrier at North Carolina by recruiting Charlie Scott, the University’s first black scholarship athlete.
Coaching Philosophy: Smith’s coaching philosophy became so ubiquitous it has become synonymous with the “Carolina Way.” Apart from his personal approach to his players, Smith’s coaching style consisted of a unique set of variables. For one, Smith would frequently call timeouts after made baskets in order to set his defense before the proceeding play; an intervention not commonly leveraged in college basketball. Smith placed a premium on end-of-game situations, practicing sets assiduously for late-game scenarios. In no scenario was this more pronounced than when Michael Jordan executed a late-game jumper to secure a national title for the Tar Heels. Smith also implemented numerous offensive and defensive styles, according to the player personnel at his disposal. Among his many innovations was the “Four Corner Offense,” which emphasized delay tactics to conserve a minimal lead. Smith’s coaching tree is profuse, including Roy Williams, Larry Brown, and George Karl, among others.
Rick Pitino, University of Kentucky Wildcats (1996) & University of Louisville Cardinals (2013 – vacated) – Top College Basketball Coaches
Rick Pitino – University of Kentucky Wildcats (1996) & University of Louisville Cardinals (2013 – vacated)
National Championships – 2*
Years Won – 1996, 2013*
The Gist: The only coach on this list to win national championships at two different schools. Pitino is the only coach of this list who has the dubious distinction of having the 2013 national championship vacated by the NCAA in 2018.
Coaching Philosophy: Pitino has been a seminal figure in the college basketball world across numerous decades, at numerous schools. Whether at Kentucky, or Louisville, or presently at St. John’s, Pitino has been a resounding success at every college coaching stop he’s arrived at. Pitino’s scheme revolves around aggression, inclusive of a full-court press as well as the 2-3 zone; both designed to create turnovers. Pitino is also known for emphasizing the 3-point shot, which coalesces with analytics.
Branch McCracken, Indiana University Hoosiers
Branch McCracken – Indiana University Hoosiers
National Championships – 2
Years Won – 1940, 1953
The Gist: Another coach who played at the school where he won his national championships, McCracken won his first national championship in 1940 during his first stint of coaching Indiana. He took a break from coaching to enter the military during WWII, serving as a lieutenant in the Navy. After the war, McCracken came back to coach Indiana again, winning his second national championship in 1953.
Coaching Philosophy: The father of the “Hurrying Hoosiers,” McCracken’s teams at Indiana were known for their relentless tempo. They insisted on initiating the fastbreak, while simultaneously playing pressing defense that engendered chaos amongst their opponents. McCracken’s teams were known for their unmatched conditioning, often being able to outlast their opponents their opponents in a rugged game of endurance.
Ed Jucker, University of Cininnati Bearcats – Top College Basketball Coaches
Ed Jucker – University of Cininnati Bearcats
National Championships – 2
Years Won – 1961, 1962
The Gist: Like Roy Williams, Jucker played basketball for the school where he won his national championships, the University of Cininnati Bearcats. Jucker holds the record for the highest winning percentage (.917) in NCAA tournament play.
Coaching Philosophy: Ed Jucker is known for his “percentage basketball” philosophy. In colloquial terms, Jucker prioritized a grinding defense while placing a emphasis on high-percentage shots on the offensive end. Rather than attempt to create chaos on the court, he marshalled control. His goal was to protect leads with judicious offense and a tenacious defense capable of consistently producing stops.
Henry Iba, Oklahoma A&M Aggies (renamed Oklahoma State University)
Henry Iba – Oklahoma A&M Aggies (renamed Oklahoma State University)
National Championships – 2
Years Won – 1945, 1946
The Gist: Aside from national championships, Iba may be best known for his “swinging gate” defense, earning him the nickname “Iron Duke of Defense.” He won his national championships at Oklahoma A&M, which was later renamed Oklahoma State University in 1957.
Coaching Philosophy: Similar to Phil Woolpert, Henry Iba possessed great defensive acumen. Known as the “Iron Duke of Defense,” Iba employed a man-to-man defense that effectively stifled opponents. Both internationally and nationally, Iba’s methods leveraged toward great success.
Billy Donovan, University of Florida Gators – Top College Basketball Coaches
Billy Donovan – University of Florida Gators
National Championships – 2
Years Won – 2006, 2007
The Gist: Currently the coach of the NBA Chicago Bulls, coach Donovan spent 19 seasons at the University of Florida where he won back-to-back national championships in 2006 and 2007. At age 52, you never know. Donovan could return to coaching college basketball and garner some more national championship.
Coaching Philosophy: Donovan is a coach who largely releases structure to the innate talents of his players. He orients his “system” around the roster at his disposal. Once the offense progresses beyond the half-court line, Donovan largely advocates for the players to determine the eventual outcome of the play. During his tenure at Florida, which consisted of such luminaries as Joakim Noah, Al Horford, and Corey Brewer; the spontaneity Donovan allowed produced two consecutive national championships.
Denny Crum, University of Louisville Cardinals – Top College Basketball Coaches
Denny Crum – University of Louisville Cardinals
National Championships – 2
Years Won – 1980, 1986
The Gist: Denny Crum played for John Wooden at UCLA in 1956 and was later hired by the Wizard in 1963 as an assistant. Crum took the Louisville job in 1971 and guided the Cardinals to two national championships.
Coaching Philosophy: Denny Crum’s mantra was simple: “play hard, play smart, play together.” Crum ran a variation of John Wooden’s high-post offense, earning his 1980 team the moniker of the “Doctors of Dunk.” Crum’s team were known for their discipline and their preparation, leading to two national championships while he was at Louisville.
Roy Williams, University of North Carolina Tar Heels – Top College Basketball Coaches
Roy Williams – University of North Carolina Tar Heels
National Championships – 3
Years Won – 2005, 2009, 2017
The Gist: Roy Williams is one of three coaches on this list to play at the school where he has won his national championships, North Carolina. In 2017, Williams won his third national championship.
Coaching Philosophy: A disciple of Dean Smith, Williams was less flexible in imposing his system. Williams’ system revolved around accumulating as many possessions as possible, while creating shooting opportunities in transition. He relied on his players to make the correct reads during a fastbreak, leading to 3 national championships.
Bob Knight, Indiana University Hoosiers – Top College Basketball Coaches by National Championships
Bob Knight –Indiana University Hoosiers
National Championships – 3
Years Won – 1976, 1981, 1987
The Gist: Nicknamed “The General”, Bobby Knight is known for being the coach of the Indiana Hoosiers. However, he also coached Army (1965 to 1971) and Texas Tech (2001 – 2008). Upon his retirement in 2008, Knight had accumulated 902 wins, second only to Mike Krzyzewski.
Coaching Philosophy: Bobby Knight is most often known for being a profound curmudgeon, as assessment that has legs. Aside from his off-court demeanor, Knight is most known for implementing a motion offense that yielded astounding success. With a basic emphasis on passing, cutting, and screening, Knight managed to create a half-court scheme that still produces adherents.
Jim Calhoun, University of Connecticut Huskies
– Top College Basketball Coaches
Jim Calhoun – University of Connecticut Huskies
National Championships – 3
Years Won – 1999, 2004, 2011
The Gist: Considered one of the greatest coaches of all time, Coach Calhoun not only won three national championships but seven Big East tournament championships as well. He retired in 2012 with 873 victories.
Coaching Philosophy: Jim Calhoun remains the epitome of the old Big East, exacting a tough-love approach that created a modern blue-blood in Storrs, CT. Essentially a drill sergeant in the guise of a basketball coach, Calhoun instilled the fundamentals of basketball in his players as fastidiously as he could. He won three national championships during his tenure, but left the groundwork for several more.
Adolph Rupp, Kentucky Wildcats
Adolph Rupp – Kentucky Wildcats
National Championships – 4
Years Won – 1948, 1949, 1951, 1958
The Gist: Rupp coached the storied Kentucky program for 41 years, racking up 876 victories with an all-time winning percentage of .822, second all time among men’s college basketball coaches.
Coaching Style: Adolph Rupp was known for intertwining a fast-paced offense with a suffocating man-to-man defense. He heralded the UK program for four decades and remains the largest influence on its future trajectory.
Mike Krzyzewski, Duke Blue Devils – Top College Basketball Coaches
Mike Krzyzewski – Duke Blue Devils
National Championships – 5
Years Won – 1991, 1992, 2001, 2010, 2015
The Gist: With Coach K at the helm, the Duke Blue Devils have been a consistent favorite in the tournament to win the national championship. Coach K retired in 2022 after wracking up 1,202 wins, five national championships and 13 Final Four appearances (the most of any coach).
Coaching Philosophy: Coach K is known for his adaptive approach to college basketball, achieving success through numerous eras of the sport. A disciple of Bobby Knight, he preached discipline, teamwork, and toughness.
John Wooden, UCLA Bruins – Top College Basketball Coaches
John Wooden – UCLA Bruins
National Championships – 10
The Gist: Championships won: 1964, 1965, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975
Called the Wizard of Westwood, John Wooden led his UCLA teams to 10 national championships, including a record number 7 in a row. Wooden is also lauded for coaching the “Walton Gang” to an 88 game win streak, a record that still stands.
Coaching Philosophy: Wooden adopted myriad strategies during his revered tenure at UCLA. His first national championship was won at the behest of Walt Hazzard and a set of guards, who fully embraced the philosophies produced by Pete Newell at neighboring Cal. It was an up-tempo, press scheme, that relied on turnovers, shooting, and deft passing. Once Lew Alcindor, now Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, arrived on-campus, the tenor the the program shifted. With Alcindor in the post, the Bruins became a half-court menace, focusing on post-entry passes to a C who couldn’t be effectively resisted. When Bill Walton arrived, Alcindor’s successor, the Bruins became a team of flurrying outlet passes, pace, and unrivalled fun, leading to an 88 game winning streak. Like Dean Smith, Wooden catered to the talents of his players, producing an unrivalled 10 national championships in 12 years.
National Championships by School
1. UCLA 11
John Wooden (10), Jim Harrick (1)
2. Kentucky 8
Adolph Rupp (4), Joe B. Hall (1), Rick Pitino (1), Tubby Smith (1), John Calipari (1)
3. North Carolina 6
Frank McGuire (1), Dean Smith (2), Roy Williams (3)
4. Duke 5
Mike Krzyzewski (5)
4. Indiana 5
Branch McCracken (2), Bob Knight (3)
5. Connecticut 4
Jim Calhoun (3), Kevin Ollie (1)
6. Kansas 4
Phog Allen (1), Larry Brown (1), Bill Self (2)
6. Louisville 3
Denny Crum (2), Rick Pitino (1)
6. Villanova 3
Jay Wright (2), Rollie Massimino (1)
7. Cincinnati 2
Ed Jucker (2)
7. Florida 2
Billy Donovan (2)
7. Michigan State 2
Jud Heathcote (1), Tom Izzo (1)
7. NC State 2
Norm Sloan (1), Jim Valvano (1)
7. Oklahoma State 2
Henry Iba (2)
7. San Francisco 2
Phil Woolpert (2)