He’s best known as the long-time men’s basketball head coach for the Vanderbilt University Commodores, where he made a significant impact and earned SEC Coach of the Year honors not once, but twice—in 2007 and again in 2010. That kind of recognition didn’t come by accident; it was the result of years of dedication and sharp leadership on the court. Before taking the reins at Vanderbilt, his journey in coaching began back in the early ‘80s. He started as an assistant at Purdue, holding that role from 1982 to 1988, building a solid foundation. After Purdue, he moved on to Kansas, continuing to grow his experience and reputation as a skilled assistant coach. Born in Collinsville, Illinois, he worked his way up through the ranks with determination. Then, in 2016, he took on a new challenge—becoming the head coach at Pitt, marking another major chapter in his career. Throughout it all, his name has remained synonymous with resilience, strategy, and a deep commitment to the game.
He began his head coaching career back in 1993, taking the helm for the Illinois State Redbirds—a major milestone that marked the start of his journey. His first opportunity in that role came with Illinois State, where he laid the foundation for what would become a notable coaching legacy. It was there, with the Redbirds, that his leadership on the sidelines truly began to take shape.