The wider picture
Greg McDermott has announced that he will retire at the end of the current season, concluding a notable 16-year tenure as the head coach of the Creighton Bluejays. McDermott took over the head coaching position at Creighton in 2010 and has since built a strong program that has made significant strides in college basketball.
During his time at Creighton, McDermott led the team to the NCAA tournament 10 times in 15 years, achieving three runs to the Sweet 16 and one appearance in the Elite Eight. His leadership has been instrumental in the program’s transition from the Missouri Valley Conference to the Big East, marking a new era for the Bluejays.
Reflecting on his career, 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 players who represented the program, saying, “I’m very proud of the young men that have proudly worn the Bluejay uniform and represented our program in a first-class manner.” McDermott also noted the gratification he felt witnessing their growth both on and off the court.
In his final season, McDermott’s team recorded a 15-17 record. Over his entire coaching career, he has amassed an impressive record of 645 wins against 383 losses. His contributions to the program include winning five regular-season and postseason championships, and he was named the Big East Coach of the Year in 2020.
Alan Huss, who has been part of the Creighton coaching staff, will succeed McDermott as head coach. Huss expressed his gratitude, stating, “I am incredibly honored and humbled to be named the head men’s basketball coach at Creighton University.” His appointment marks a continuation of the program’s legacy under McDermott’s guidance.
As the Bluejays prepare for their upcoming quarterfinal matchup against Rutgers in the College Basketball Crown, the focus will be on how the team can honor McDermott’s legacy while looking forward to the future under Huss’s leadership.
Observers anticipate that Huss will bring his own vision and strategies to the program, building on the foundation laid by McDermott. The transition comes at a pivotal time, as Creighton aims to maintain its competitive edge in the Big East and continue its tradition of success in NCAA basketball.
