Central Michigan's Men's Basketball Coach Tony Barbee has been selected as one of the 25 finalists for the 2023-24 Ben Jobe National Coach of the Year Award, presented to the top minority head coach in NCAA Division I basketball. Barbee earned the MAC Coach of the Year Award after guiding the Chippewas to a 12-6 record in the league and an 18-13 overall record, marking the most league victories for the team since the 2014-15 season. Despite being predicted to finish last in the preseason, Barbee led a remarkable resurgence by rebuilding the team's roster with 12 new players, challenging for the MAC regular season title.

By the Numbers
  • Tony Barbee guided the Chippewas to an 18-13 overall record and a 12-6 record in the league.
  • Central Michigan's 12 league victories were the most since the 2014-15 season.
State of Play
  • Tony Barbee has been named one of the 25 finalists for the Ben Jobe National Coach of the Year Award.
  • The award is presented annually to the top minority head coach in NCAA Division I college basketball. The recipient is determined by a 10-member voting committee.
  • The 2024 award will be announced in Phoenix, Ariz., the site of the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship.
Bottom Line

Tony Barbee's remarkable leadership and coaching prowess have propelled Central Michigan's Men's Basketball team to impressive results, defying preseason predictions and securing a notable position as a finalist for the prestigious Ben Jobe National Coach of the Year Award.