In the world of college basketball, coaching hires can make a significant impact on a program’s success. CBS Sports college basketball insiders Gary Parrish and Matt Norlander recently conducted a survey of over 100 Division I men’s basketball coaches to gather their opinions on the best high-major coaching hire of 2024. The results shed light on the perceptions and expectations surrounding these new coaching appointments.
The survey revealed that John Calipari’s move to Arkansas was the most highly regarded coaching hire of the year, with 43.4% of coaches selecting him as the best hire. Calipari, a seasoned veteran with a Hall of Fame pedigree, brings a wealth of experience and success to the Razorbacks. Coaches praised Calipari’s track record at previous stops and expressed confidence in his ability to lead Arkansas to new heights. Despite facing challenges at his previous school, Kentucky, Calipari’s move to Arkansas is seen as a fresh start that could reignite his coaching career.
Dusty May’s appointment at Michigan also garnered attention, with 21.7% of coaches recognizing him as a standout hire. May’s reputation for developing talent and maximizing resources was highlighted as a key factor in his selection. Coaches believe that May’s coaching style and approach are well-suited to the Michigan program, and they anticipate that he will continue to excel in his new role.
Mark Pope, who took the helm at Kentucky, received 8.5% of the votes for best coaching hire. While some may have been surprised by Pope’s selection, coaches praised his offensive acumen and recruiting abilities. Pope’s success at previous coaching stops and his potential to make a significant impact at Kentucky were noted as reasons for his inclusion in the survey.
The survey also included quotes from coaches that provided insight into their perspectives on the coaching hires. Comments on Calipari highlighted his motivation and determination to succeed at Arkansas, while remarks on May and Pope emphasized their respective strengths and potential for success in their new roles. The coaches‘ feedback underscored the importance of coaching hires in shaping the future of college basketball programs.
Overall, the survey results shed light on the impact of coaching hires in college basketball and the high expectations placed on newly appointed coaches. The coaches‘ insights and opinions offer valuable perspectives on the coaching landscape and provide a glimpse into the future of the sport. As the season unfolds, it will be interesting to see how these coaching hires fare and whether they live up to the expectations set by their peers in the coaching community.