Creighton men’s basketball is preparing for a major transition as longtime head coach Greg McDermott has announced that he will retire after the current season. The announcement marks the end of one of the most successful coaching eras in the history of Creighton basketball.
McDermott spent 16 seasons leading the Bluejays program and became the winningest coach in school history. During his time in Omaha, he built a strong and consistent team that regularly competed in the NCAA Tournament and established Creighton as a respected program in college basketball.
End of a Historic Coaching Era at Creighton
Greg McDermott took over the Creighton program in 2010 after previous coaching stints at Northern Iowa and Iowa State. From the start, he helped elevate the team’s performance and built a competitive culture.
Over the next decade and a half, Creighton enjoyed one of the best periods in its basketball history. The team consistently won games, reached major postseason tournaments, and developed several standout players.
McDermott expressed gratitude for his time at Creighton, saying it had been an honor to lead the program and work with the players, staff, and community that supported the Bluejays throughout his career.
Greg McDermott’s Coaching Record and Achievements
During his tenure, McDermott compiled impressive numbers that placed him at the top of Creighton’s coaching records.
Creighton Coaching Record
| Category | Record |
|---|---|
| Seasons at Creighton | 16 |
| Wins at Creighton | 365 |
| Overall Record at Creighton | 365–188 |
| NCAA Tournament Appearances | 10 |
| Sweet 16 Appearances | 3 |
| Elite Eight Appearances | 1 |
| Conference Regular Season Titles | 2 |
His success helped Creighton grow into a regular postseason contender and one of the consistent programs in college basketball.
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Overall Coaching Career Across Three Programs
Before and during his time at Creighton, McDermott built a long career in Division I basketball coaching.
Career Coaching Record
| Program | Years |
|---|---|
| Northern Iowa | 2001–2006 |
| Iowa State | 2006–2010 |
| Creighton | 2010–2026 |
Across 25 seasons as a Division I head coach, McDermott recorded more than 500 career victories and led multiple programs to the NCAA Tournament.
Career Record
| Category | Total |
|---|---|
| Total Career Wins | 514 |
| Total Career Losses | 319 |
| Division I Coaching Seasons | 25 |
His long career included successful runs at all three programs, but his most memorable achievements came during his time at Creighton.
Memorable Moments During McDermott’s Creighton Tenure
Several moments stand out during McDermott’s leadership of the Bluejays.
Transition to the Big East Conference
One of the most important developments during his tenure was Creighton’s move from the Missouri Valley Conference to the Big East. Under McDermott’s guidance, the program adapted quickly to the stronger competition.
Creighton remained competitive in the Big East and recorded winning conference records in most seasons after joining the league.
Deep NCAA Tournament Runs
The Bluejays also made several deep tournament runs. The program reached the Sweet 16 multiple times and advanced to the Elite Eight during the 2023 NCAA Tournament.
That season, Creighton came extremely close to reaching the Final Four before being eliminated in a dramatic finish.
Coaching His Son Doug McDermott
Another special chapter in his career came when he coached his son, Doug McDermott, during the early 2010s. Doug became one of the most famous players in Creighton history and one of the top scorers in college basketball during that period.
Recent Season Challenges
Despite years of consistent success, the most recent season proved difficult for Creighton.
The Bluejays finished with a 15–17 overall record and a 9–11 record in conference play. It marked the end of a streak of 10 consecutive seasons with at least 20 wins.
For the first time since 2019, Creighton did not qualify for the NCAA Tournament. However, the team will still compete in a postseason event before McDermott officially steps away from coaching.
Alan Huss to Take Over the Program
Creighton has already prepared for the leadership transition. Associate head coach Alan Huss has been named the next head coach of the program.
Huss previously served as an assistant coach at Creighton and is also a former player for the Bluejays. After gaining head coaching experience at High Point, he returned to Creighton as the coach-in-waiting.
Alan Huss Coaching Background
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Former Creighton Player | 1997–2001 |
| Creighton Assistant Coach | 2017–2023 |
| High Point Head Coach | 2023–2025 |
| High Point Record | 56–15 |
| Big South Regular Season Titles | 2 |
Huss will officially take over the program starting with the 2026–27 season.
Legacy of Greg McDermott at Creighton
Greg McDermott leaves behind a lasting legacy in Omaha. His leadership helped turn Creighton into a nationally recognized basketball program.
Beyond wins and tournament appearances, he focused heavily on player development and building a strong culture within the team.
Players who wore the Bluejays uniform during his time often praised his mentorship and leadership both on and off the court.
The Omaha community also played a big role in the program’s success, with thousands of fans regularly filling the arena to support the team.
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Final Chapter of a Legendary Career
As the season concludes, Greg McDermott will coach his final games before stepping away from the sideline. His 16-year run at Creighton stands as one of the most successful coaching tenures in the program’s history.
With a winning record, multiple NCAA Tournament appearances, and a deep connection to the Creighton community, McDermott’s impact on the Bluejays program will be remembered for years to come.
The next chapter will begin under Alan Huss, but the foundation built during the McDermott era will remain a key part of Creighton basketball’s identity.
