In the fast-paced world of college basketball, where coaching carousels spin relentlessly, only a few coaches have managed to hold their positions for decades.
Below we have listed the top five coaches who have the longest tenures in NCAA Men’s College Basketball.
4 Longest-Tenured Active College Basketball Coaches
1) Greg Kampe, Oakland (1984–Pres., 41 seasons)
At 41 seasons, Greg Kampe holds the title of the longest-tenured active head coach in NCAA men’s basketball.
Since taking over at Oakland in 1984, Kampe has compiled a 698–536 record (.566). His signature moment came in 2024, when No. 14 Oakland stunned No. 3 Kentucky in the NCAA Tournament’s first round, 80-76. A four-time Summit League Coach of the Year, Kampe’s program remains a mid-major powerhouse.
2) Tom Izzo, Michigan State (1995–Present, 30 seasons)
In his 30th season with Michigan State, Tom Izzo has the longest Division I-only tenure. With a 707–294 record (.706), Izzo has led the Spartans to an NCAA championship in 2000 and eight Final Four appearances.
His 27 consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances mark the longest active streak in the nation. A three-time Big Ten Coach of the Year, Izzo’s calculated approach continues to make Michigan State one of the programs with the most potential, with senior Jaden Akins and junior Tre Holloman leading the 2024-25 squad.
T-3) Mark Few, Gonzaga (1999–Pres., 26 seasons)
Mark Few, entering his 27th season at Gonzaga, has a staggering 716–142 record (.834), the most wins among active coaches at a single school.
Few coaches have guided the Bulldogs to two Final Four appearances (2017, 2021) and 19 West Coast Conference tournament titles. Named AP Coach of the Year in 2017, Few’s fast-paced system has made Gonzaga one of the best programs in the nation.
T-3) James Jones, Yale (1999–Pres., 26 seasons)
Following his 26th season, James Jones has a 395–310 record (.560) at Yale. Jones has secured six Ivy League regular-season titles and three tournament championships, with a 2024 NCAA Tournament upset over Auburn (78-76).
Named Ivy League Coach of the Year four times, Jones’s steady leadership has elevated Yale’s profile.
RELATED: Who Are the Longest-Tenured Men’s College Basketball Coaches of All-Time?
Rounding out the top five are Randy Bennett, who has led the Saint Mary’s Gaels since 2001-02, and Scott Drew and Bill Self, who have been at Baylor and Kansas, respectively, since 2003-2004.
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