Fantasy World: Could Pearls of Wisdom Conclude Career at Small College?
Auburn's Bruce Pearl wasn't the first prominent pilot to depart after Final Four glory. For now, he's headed to TV booth as a commentator. But could he eventually coach a small college simply out of a love for the game?
How many small colleges might be fantasizing about Mike Krzyzewski, Jay Wright or Tony Bennett at their helm after championship-club luminaries left DI coaching ranks the past few years? What about a small-time or rural Krzyzewskiville? Coach K is unlikely to follow suit just for the love of the game after 42-year stint with Duke including a total of 13 Final Fours. Following is a summary of celebrated coaches who ended their careers guiding obscure small-college programs after directing a major university to the NCAA Division I Final Four:
| Celebrated Coach | School(s) | Final Four(s) | Small-School Concluding Career |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forddy Anderson | Bradley/Michigan State | 1950-54-57 | Hiram Scott OH (1965-66 through 1969-70) |
| Jim Calhoun | Connecticut | 1999 and 2004-09-11 | Saint Joseph CT (2018-19 to 2021-22) |
| Ed Jucker | Cincinnati | 1961-62-63 | Rollins FL (1972-73 through 1976-77) |
| Rollie Massimino | Villanova | 1985 | Northwood/Keiser FL (2006-07 through 2016-17) |
| Jim O'Brien | Ohio State | 1998 | Emerson MA (2011-12 through 2013-14) |
| Phil Woolpert | San Francisco | 1955-56-57 | San Diego* (1962-63 through 1968-69) |
*The Toreros moved up to NCAA DI level in 1979-80.