Ranking each Big Ten basketball head coach for 2024-25 season

1. Matt Painter, Purdue

Izzo has the better historical resume, but it’s hard to argue against Painter being the top coach in the Big Ten currently with Purdue’s recent success. Painter has served as head coach in West Lafayette since 2005 and was impressive early in his tenure with six consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances from 2007-12. After a brief lull, Purdue has reached the tournament in nine straight years, culminating with its first Final Four appearance since 1980 last season. Painter has an impressive 447-203 record in 19 seasons since taking over for Gene Keady and has been incredibly successful the past three seasons as the Boilermakers have gone 92-19. He continues to bring in talented recruits, often from the Hoosier State, and has built a winning culture at Purdue that should keep it toward the top of the Big Ten for years to come.