Ranking College Coaches - B1G Men's Basketball

Welcome to week 2 of our College Coaches Rankings Series! If you didn't catch last week, we covered the ACC and some of their legendary coaches. This week, we are in the Big Ten. Now to the list.

14. Steve Pikiell (Rutgers)

The Scarlet Knights haven't been known for much of anythings in relevant athletics lately, much less basketball. Not much has changed since Pikiell has taken over in 2016. However, he did lead Rutgers to a winning conference record for the first time and a tie for fifth place in the Big 10. Maybe things are on the up and up and Steve can improve on his 24-52 conference record?

13. Pat Chambers (Penn State)

Yes. It is hard (seemingly) to be a successful basketball program at a "football school." This make it more difficult to make a decision regarding Pat Chambers. With a .337 winning percentage in conference, I can't imagine the Nittany Lions sticking with Chambers for much longer - regardless of tying for fifth this last season in conference in 2020.

12. Chris Collins (Northwestern)

This list has a lot more of the "how are you still coaching?" members than the ACC list that I did a week ago and Collins is definitely qualifies. He did lead the Wildcats to their best season in 49 years in 2016-17. However, you look at the numbers and the results, and you just wonder how Collins has made it this far.

11. Brad Underwood (Illinois)

Underwood has progressively gotten worse reviews as his career progresses from each "promotion" he receives. He still is only coming into his fourth year at Illinois and after finishing fourth in the conference, there may be reason to think that he is a few seasons away from a tournament birth.

10. Richard Pitino (Minnesota)

Based on the trends, this should be an "up" year for Pitino considering his last five seasons have been such a roller coaster. The Gophers might be ready to move in a new direction next season if the "up" never comes around. 2013 was a log time ago and, at this point, being a Pitino might not help Richard out as it once would have.

9. Archie Miller (Indiana)

Don't be fooled by the ranking, I do like Archie Miller. I really liked what he did with Dayton. I think with time, the Hoosiers will return to relevancy in the Big Ten. Archie Miller is their guy. Just give him two more years to prove it.

8. Greg Gard (Wisconsin)

Greg Gard, heir to the throne of Bo Ryan. After 2017-18, Badger fans were wondering if the program was heading in the right direction. After tying for first place this season in conference, All of those questions are now put to bed. Considering Wisconsin is his first job, Gard has handled it with grace and it should only be up from here.

7. Fran McCaffery (Iowa)

There is not one thing that you could say to me to make think that Fran McCaffery is a bad coach. And the inverse is true as well. There isn't much to point to. McCaffery is a good coach. No more, no less. Iowa did put together back-to-back decent season together. Let's see if they can go a third time.

6. Fred Hoiberg (Nebraska)

Coaching wise, there is not much you can argue with as Hoiberg certainly has experience in the NBA and multiple years in college. However, I don't know how well the fit is with the Corn Huskers. I guess we will have to see how well it goes because unless Hoiberg can get talent to Nebraska, it won't matter how good of a coach he is.

5. Juwan Howard (Michigan)

Before you lose your marbles, I know that this was Howard's first season as a head coach. However, Michigan EXTREMELY over-preformed, specifically early on in the season. Howard's ability to recruit will be vital atop the B1G and he is already on a hot start in that arena.

4. Chris Holtmann (Ohio State)

In his time with his last two schools, Holtmann has not missed an NCAA tournament - Impressive. If this was a list based on five years from now, I might have Chris at the head of my list. I like his style and they way he gets his guys to play the game. Ohio State's relevancy will be anchored by Holtmann for years to come.

3. Mark Turgeon (Maryland)

I have a soft spot for Turgeon since he coached in the ACC, but he has fared much better since the switch to the Big Ten. Maryland was a really good squad this past year and it was a shame we didn't get to see them compete in March. Somehow, Maryland always flies under the radar. Maybe Turgeon likes it this way?

2. Matt Painter (Purdue)

Painter was born to be Purdue's head coach. From growing up in Indiana, to playing with the Boilermakers back in his college years, he is the guy for this school. Purdue had a down season in the wake of losing Carsen Edwards after the 2019 season concluded. But, if you look at the overall body of work, you cannot argue with the way Painter has led his squad. Next on his list, make a Final Four.

1. Tom Izzo (Michigan State)

Tommy Izzo, living legend. Just like last week with Coach K, there is no comparison for Izzo in the Big 10. None. State has won the regular season conference title 10 times with Izzo and the tournament six times. The one National Championship in '00 is just the cherry on top.

What'd you think? Who should be higher, lower? Next week I'm taking on the Big XII! See ya then.