College Basketball: Top 5 Candidates for Coach of the Year

College Basketball: Top 5 candidates for AP Coach of the Year

Dec 20, 2014; Villanova, PA, USA; Villanova Wildcats guard Josh Hart (3) and head coach Jay Wright and guard Ryan Arcidiacono (15) celebrate a victory against the Syracuse Orange at Wells Fargo Center. Villanova defeated Syracuse 82-77. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

4 of 6

Jan 21, 2016; Piscataway, NJ, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes head coach Fran McCaffery in the first half at Louis Brown Athletic Center. Mandatory Credit: William Hauser-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Fran McCaffery, Iowa

One of the most surprising teams in all of college basketball this season is undoubtedly the Iowa Hawkeyes. Currently ranked No. 4 in the nation, the Hawkeyes have come out of nowhere this season to storm the top of the polls. This surprising rise for Iowa has to be attributed to the coaching ability of Fran McCaffery.

Being in the coaching game since 1985, McCaffery has found success at every school he’s coached. Taking over the Hawkeyes coaching position in 2010, McCaffery’s first season at the helm was another down one for the program as the Hawkeyes went 11-20 and finished last in the Big Ten. Since then, however, the Hawkeyes have finished above .500 every season.

This has been a breakout season for McCaffery and the Hawkeyes. Currently sitting with a record of 19-4 with a win over Wichita State and season sweeps of Michigan State and Purdue, the Hawkeyes are a major contender for not only their first conference title since 2006, but also to earn their first ever No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament.

The credit has to go completely to McCaffery, who has led a revolution at the University of Iowa. The basketball program is now known nationwide and their current success is being had without one huge star on the roster. Using a team where everybody contributes, Fran McCaffery has to be an early favorite for the AP Coach of the Year award.

Next: Chris Mack, Xavier