5 college basketball coaches no team wants to face in March

March is just around the corner, and that means it’s high-pressure time in college basketball. Players, fans, and coaches all feel the weight of the added stakes. But in an environment of madness, having a coach who can calmly navigate the turmoil is critical to success.

While some coaches have horrendous postseason records, others can hang their hat on work done in tournament play. Let’s take a look at five active coaches nobody wants to face in the tournament.

5. Mike Krzyzewski (Duke)

Coach K has three national championships, has reached an incredible 12 Final Fours, and has the most postseason wins of all time (91). He has loaded Duke teams year after year, and nobody ever wants to see them on their side of the bracket. His 39-59 record against the spread in March keeps him from being higher on this list.

4. Sean Miller (Arizona)

Miller has put together a 17-10-2 record against the spread during tournament play. Miller has successfully recruited and coached multiple future NBA players during his time at Xavier and Arizona, and NBA players at the college level tends to help make a coach look good.

3. Chris Mack (Louisville)

Mack took over a Louisville program in major turmoil. In the aftermath of a recruiting scandal, Mack quickly righted the ship and turned Louisville back into a contender.

He has an impressive track record, as well. Mack is 191-159 against the spread as a head coach and an even more impressive 12-4 ATS in postseason play.

2. John Calipari (Kentucky)

Calipari is 26-20 against the spread in postseason play. He has six Final Four appearances. But in today’s climate, he also has a prolonged and impressive record of bringing elite players to Lexington. The athleticism Calipari works with every year gives opposing coaches headaches.

Kentucky has 28 active players in the NBA, the most of any college. When you face Kentucky and Calipari, you know you’re facing players who will be playing at the next level.

1. Dana Altman (Oregon)

Altman does not have the accolades and trophies of some on this list, but it isn’t for lack of coaching acumen. The Hall of Famer made Creighton a perennial threat in the NCAA Tournament and has turned Oregon into a consistent title contender.

Though he has less talent than the blue-blood programs, Altman utilizes role players as well as any coach in the nation. He is 55-32 against the spread in March, and the preparation and knowledge he brings to the game when his team takes the court puts him at the top of this list.

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