Reflecting on the Most Successful Coaching Hires of the 2023-24 Season

In the world of college basketball coaching, the first year at a new program can be a make or break moment for a coach. This past season saw a number of coaches who made an immediate impact in their debut seasons, both at high-major and mid-major programs.

At the high-major level, Grant McCasland stood out as one of the most successful first-year coaches. McCasland quickly turned around the Texas Tech program, restoring pride and leading the team to a successful season. While only a few high-major coaches had certifiably good seasons in their first year, McCasland’s success was undeniable.

Two other high-major coaches came close to achieving the same level of success. While they may not have made the NCAA Tournament, these coaches still had solid seasons and showed promise for the future.

On the mid-major side, there were a number of coaches who made a big impact in their first year at a new program. Four of these coaches even led their teams to the NCAA Tournament in their debut seasons. With nearly 50 mid-major coaching changes in 2023, these eleven standout coaches made a name for themselves right out of the gate.

While a successful first year doesn’t guarantee future success, it certainly helps when it comes to recruiting and building a program. These coaches have set a strong foundation for their teams and will be ones to watch in the seasons to come. Stay tuned for more in-depth analysis of coaching hires in the coming weeks.