One of the most unreasonable practices in sports media is awarding immediate grades before a coach has had the chance to perform. This common phenomenon occurs not just in college basketball but also in other sports like football and it’s often driven by the need for engagement. As a result, grading coaching hires should ideally happen after a substantive period, such as the end of a four-year cycle, particularly for coaches in major conferences.

In this article, we will analyze the coaching hires from 2021, assessing how these individuals have fared in their new roles. This evaluation is crucial as the college basketball landscape has seen unprecedented turnover post-COVID. Out of 79 schools in the Power Five, an astounding 55 have made coaching changes since 2021—representing 69.6% of these institutions.

Grading High-Major Coaches from 2021

Mark Adams, Texas Tech
Adams’ tenure saw a record of 43-26 but concluded prematurely after two years. Following Chris Beard’s departure, he led the Red Raiders to a Sweet 16 appearance in 2022 but resigned amid controversies related to a racially insensitive comment. Grade: D+

Chris Beard, Texas
In his first year, Beard recorded a 22-12 record, facing severe repercussions from a domestic incident early in his second year, leading to his termination despite the charges being dropped. Grade: D+

Hubert Davis, North Carolina
Davis led the team to an impressive 101-45 record, achieving remarkable moments including a National Championship game appearance but also facing challenges amid lofty expectations. Grade: C+

Earl Grant, Boston College
Grant had a successful stretch at Charleston but has struggled at BC with a 61-72 record. Grade: C-

Ben Johnson, Minnesota
Johnson’s time ended after a 56-71 record, marked by a failure to reach the NCAA tournament. Grade: C-

Tommy Lloyd, Arizona
Lloyd enjoyed a successful start with 112 wins but needs to progress beyond the Sweet 16 to meet program expectations. Grade: B+

Wes Miller, Cincinnati
Miller has a .582 record but is yet to lead Cincinnati to an NCAA appearance. Grade: C

Porter Moser, Oklahoma
Moser’s team made it to the NCAA tournament, but the transition has been rocky. Grade: C+

T.J. Otzelberger, Iowa State
In a remarkable turnaround, Otzelberger has achieved a 95-45 record and continues to excel. Grade: A-

Micah Shrewsberry, Penn State
Shrewsberry’s time was brief but impactful, leading to an impressive tournament performance. Grade: B+

Shaka Smart, Marquette
Smart’s tenure has seen strong performance with consistent NCAA appearances and accolades. Grade: B+

Tony Stubblefield, DePaul
Fired after failing to meet expectations with a 28-54 record. Grade: D+

Craig Smith, Utah
Smith’s failure to reach the NCAA tournament resulted in his dismissal. Grade: C-

Mike Woodson, Indiana
Woodson struggled to fulfill long-standing expectations despite a respectable record. Grade: C+

Mid-Major Highlights
Coaches from lower-tier programs also made waves, with individuals like Richard Pitino, Ryan Odom, and others succeeding significantly since their appointments.