The wider picture
Greg McDermott, the head coach of the Creighton Bluejays, has announced his retirement at the end of the current season, marking the conclusion of a remarkable 16-year tenure. McDermott took over the head coaching position at Creighton in 2010 and has since transformed the program into a competitive force in college basketball.
Under McDermott’s leadership, the Bluejays made 10 appearances in the NCAA tournament, including three runs to the Sweet 16 and one to the Elite Eight. His ability to elevate the program was evident as Creighton transitioned from the Missouri Valley Conference to the Big East, a move that showcased the team’s growing prominence in college basketball.
Reflecting on his time at Creighton, McDermott stated, “It has been an incredible honor to lead the Creighton men’s basketball program for the past 16 years.” He expressed pride in the young men who wore the Bluejay uniform, emphasizing their representation of the program in a first-class manner. McDermott also noted, “Witnessing their growth and development on and off the playing floor was especially gratifying.”
McDermott’s career record stands at 645 wins and 383 losses, a testament to his coaching prowess. His final season record is 15-17, a bittersweet conclusion to a successful career. Notably, he coached his son, Doug McDermott, from 2010 to 2014, adding a personal touch to his legacy at the university.
Alan Huss, currently an assistant coach, has been named as McDermott’s successor. Huss expressed his gratitude, saying, “I am incredibly honored and humbled to be named the head men’s basketball coach at Creighton University.” This transition comes as the Bluejays prepare to face Rutgers in the quarterfinals of the College Basketball Crown, a fitting challenge for the team as they close out the season.
McDermott’s impact on the program is undeniable, with five regular-season and postseason championships to his name. He was also recognized as the Big East Coach of the Year in 2020, further solidifying his status as one of the top coaches in college basketball.
As the season progresses, observers are keen to see how the Bluejays will perform under Huss’s leadership and how McDermott’s legacy will influence the program moving forward. The basketball community will undoubtedly feel the void left by McDermott, who has been a pivotal figure in Creighton’s rise in the sport.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding McDermott’s future plans post-retirement, but his contributions to Creighton will be remembered for years to come.
