Top 5 Notre Dame men’s basketball coaches of all time
SOUTH BEND, Ind. (BVM) –– When people think of the Notre Dame men’s basketball program, Mike Brey is often one of the first names to come to mind. And while Brey has done great things in his 20-plus year career, he isn’t the only legendary coach to lead the Fighting Irish. Here are the best Notre Dame men’s basketball coaches of all time.
5. John Jordan, 1951-64
At the end of his tenure, Jordan posted a 199-131 record and was the coach to lead the Fighting Irish to their first six NCAA tournament appearances. Four of those teams finished in the Sweet 16.
4. George Keogan, 1923-43
Keogan finished his Notre Dame basketball coaching career with a 327-97 record. He coached before the NCAA Tournament but still had two teams named the Helms Foundation National Champions in the 1926-27 and 1935-36 seasons. In addition to basketball, Keogan coached the baseball team for five seasons and assisted the legendary football coach Knute Rockne.
3. Johnny Dee, 1964-71
Dee posted a 116-80 record, leading four of his teams to NCAA tournament appearances. Two of them finished in the Sweet 16. Dee is the first Notre Dame coach to win 20 or more games in each of his last four seasons. His 1970-71 team recorded an 89-82 win over UCLA — the only loss the Bruins suffered that season.
2. Digger Phelps, 1971-91
Phelps completed his coaching career at Notre Dame with a 393-197 record. During his 20 years as head coach, Phelps led his teams to 14 NCAA Tournament appearances. Of these 14 showings, eight teams made it to the Sweet 16, and one made an appearance in the Final Four in 1978. Phelps led his teams to seven upset wins over No.1 ranked teams, which is tied for the most all time in Notre Dame men’s basketball history.
On this day in 1987… ☘🏀
As @NDmbb's head coach, Digger Phelps secured his final No. 1 upset as the Irish dominated North Carolina, 60-58!#GoIrish pic.twitter.com/NcsG11hsOY
— The Fighting Irish (@FightingIrish) February 2, 2020
1. Mike Brey, 2000-present
Heading into the 2022-23 season, Brey held a 472-259 record, making him the only coach in Notre Dame men’s basketball history to reach 400 wins and the winningest men’s basketball coach in school history. Furthermore, Brey’s 472 wins rank sixth among active NCAA coaches at the Division I level. Brey has led his teams to 13 NCAA Tournament appearances. Three of these were Sweet 16 and two were Elite Eight finishes. In 2015, Brey and his Fighting Irish earned the title of Atlantic Coast Conference Champion. Brey earned AP Coach of the Year in 2011 and was the Big East Coach of the Year in 2007 and 2008.
17 years ago (on Friday) ND hired Coach Mike Brey.
🏀 481 Career Wins
☘ 2nd All-Time @NDmbb Wins
🏆 2015 ACC Champpic.twitter.com/4g4Qu89FF7— The Fighting Irish (@FightingIrish) July 15, 2017
