Longevity in college basketball takes more than just talent. It takes evolution, adaptability, and a whole lot of wins. As another season unfolds, these ten active Division I men’s coaches have proven they can do it all: recruit, develop, and most importantly, keep winning. Let’s take a look at the list by Fox Sports.
Steve Alford – 701 Wins
Coach Steve Alford at Nevada v New Mexico | Sam Wasson/Getty Images
From his days as an Indiana legend to his long run on the sidelines, Steve Alford has seen it all. A sharp offensive mind, he’s led winning programs at multiple stops and continues to find success through experience and steady leadership.
Greg Kampe – 715 Wins
Nov 7, 2025; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Oakland Golden Grizzlies head coach Greg Kampe reacts to a call during the first half against the Purdue Boilermakers at Mackey Arena. Credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images
One of college basketball’s true lifers, Greg Kampe has been the face of Oakland for decades. Without the fanfare of the power conferences, he’s quietly built a model of stability and success, keeping his teams competitive year after year.
Tom Izzo – 738 Wins
Nov 8, 2025; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Michigan State Spartans head coach Tom Izzo watches his squad against Arkansas during the first half at Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Credit: Dale Young-Imagn Images
March wouldn’t be the same without Tom Izzo. The Michigan State icon has made toughness his trademark, developing teams that peak at the most crucial moments. His Spartans always fight and more often than not, they win.
Mark Few – 742 Wins
Nov 3, 2025; Spokane, Washington, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs head coach Mark Few in the first half against the Texas Southern Tigers at McCarthey Athletic Center. Credit: James Snook-Imagn Images
From a tiny program in Spokane to a perennial powerhouse, Mark Few has turned Gonzaga into a national name. His ability to recruit, develop, and evolve with the game has kept the Bulldogs among college basketball’s elite for over two decades.
Rick Pitino – 763 Wins
Nov 8, 2025; New York, New York, USA; St. John’s Red Storm head coach Rick Pitino yells out instructions in the first half against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Madison Square Garden. Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
Never short on intensity, Rick Pitino has reinvented himself yet again at St. John’s. A tactical mastermind and one of the sport’s great motivators, Pitino’s fingerprints are all over modern college basketball and he’s still adding to his win total.
Dana Altman – 782 Wins
Oregon men’s basketball coach Dana Altman gives his team some last second instructions before their exhibition game against Utah at Matthew Knight Arena Oct. 24, 2025. Credit: Chris Pietsch/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK
Steady and adaptable, Dana Altman continues to make Oregon one of the most reliable programs in the country. His teams play smart, balanced basketball, and his consistency over the years has made him one of the sport’s most respected figures.
Kelvin Sampson – 801 Wins
Nov 8, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Cougars head coach Kelvin Sampson reacts during the second half against the Towson Tigers at Fertitta Center. Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Kelvin Sampson’s comeback story has been one for the ages. After time away from college hoops, he rebuilt Houston into a defensive juggernaut and Final Four threat. His ability to connect with players and adjust to the modern game has cemented his legacy.
Bill Self – 817 Wins
Nov 7, 2025; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; Kansas Jayhawks head coach Bill Self reacts in the second half at Dean E. Smith Center. Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
At Kansas, Bill Self has built an empire. Dominating the Big 12 year after year, his Jayhawks are a blend of structure, swagger, and relentless execution. Few programs in the country reflect their coach’s identity more clearly than Self’s Kansas squads.
John Calipari – 836 Wins
Nov 8, 2025; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks head coach John Calipari shouts in a play during the first half at Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Credit: Dale Young-Imagn Images
Known for his swagger and recruiting prowess, John Calipari has mastered the art of turning young talent into team chemistry. His Kentucky teams reload rather than rebuild, and his mix of charisma and competitiveness keeps him among the game’s elite.
Rick Barnes – 838 Wins
Tennessee coach Rick Barnes yells on the sidelines during a NCAA basketball game between the Tennessee Volunteers and Northern Kentucky Norse at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center on Nov. 8, 2025. Credit: Angelina Alcantar/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK
Rick Barnes sits atop the list, and for good reason. From Texas to Tennessee, he’s built programs on discipline, defense, and development. Never flashy, always prepared, Barnes’ quiet consistency has made him one of the most successful coaches in college basketball history.
The Road to 900Oregon men’s basketball coach Dana Altman gives his team some last second instructions before their exhibition game against Utah at Matthew Knight Arena Oct. 24, 2025.
In an ever-changing college basketball landscape, these coaching veterans prove that experience still wins. Whether through innovation or old-school fundamentals, they’ve set the standard. And they’re not slowing down anytime soon.