Bruce Pearl Headlines 2025 Men's College Coach of the Year Late-Season Contenders
With Auburn sitting atop the Associated Press Top 25 poll for six consecutive weeks, Bruce Pearl headlines the Naismith Men's College Coach of the Year late-season contenders list.
The list released on Friday features 15 coaches from top programs across the country.
Bruce Pearl, Auburn
Greg Gard, Wisconsin
Dennis Gates, Missouri
Todd Golden, Florida
Penny Hardaway, Memphis
Tom Izzo, Michigan State
Pat Kelsey, Louisville
Dusty May, Michigan
Grant McCasland, Texas Tech
Ben McCollum, Drake
Matt Painter, Purdue
Rick Pitino, St. John's
Richard Pitino, New Mexico
Kelvin Sampson, Houston
Jon Scheyer, Duke
After starting this season at No. 11 in the AP preseason poll, the Tigers had a steady climb up the rankings before hitting the top spot on Jan. 13.
Auburn hasn't relinquished that position since, with its six-week reign as the nation's No. 1 team the longest for any program since Connecticut also had a six-week run in the middle of last season.
The Tigers did have their 14-game winning streak snapped on Feb. 8 against Florida, but they've rebounded with three straight wins. This current streak includes a victory over then-No. 2 Alabama at Coleman Coliseum on Feb. 15.
Speaking of Florida, Todd Golden has done a fantastic job of rebuilding the Gators into a national powerhouse this season. They are two victories away from their first 25-win campaign since 2016-17 (27-9).
Jon Scheyer entered this season with one of the most difficult jobs in the nation as the head coach of a Duke team with sky-high expectations because of the recruiting class he brought in, led by Cooper Flagg.
The Blue Devils have more than lived up to their hype thus far. They are 23-3 overall with marquee wins over Auburn and Arizona.
Memphis head coach Penny Hardaway has the program back among the nation's elite after missing the NCAA tournament last season. The Tigers are coming off a loss to Wichita State on Feb. 16, but they still sit atop the AAC standings and have amassed a 21-5 record overall with two weeks remaining in the regular season.
There's a good chance there will be a first-time winner of the Naismith Coach of the Year this season. None of the 15 names on the current watch list has ever taken home the award, including Rick Pitino.
The four finalists for the award will be announced on March 24, with the winner being revealed on April 6 prior to the national championship game at the Alamodome in San Antonio.
