In Reply to: Wasn’t Howland the most sought after available coach when…. posted by Jdmba84 on May 28, 2026 at 18:43:20
Howland was the only solid post-Wooden hire. Success at a lower level followed by turning around a major program. But Few and Majerus weren't interested. I wouldn't call him elite based on two Sweet 16's.
Of the others, only Gene Bartow and Steve Alford had major schools head coaching experience. Bartow made only one NCAA tournament in five seasons at a major program and was 8-18 at Illinois the previous season. Alford made only six NCAA tournaments in 14 seasons at major programs and never got past the second round. He made a Sweet 16 at Valparaiso, but couldn't have had a more fortunate draw. (Long story.)
Compare that to Cronin who made the tournament nine consecutive seasons before UCLA hired him.
Given the track record of all the other coaches, Cronin was by far UCLA's second best hire behind Howland.