SportsCollege Basketball

Alan Huss Named Creighton's Coach-in-Waiting

about 1 year agoUS
Alan Huss Named Creighton's Coach-in-WaitingSource: forbes.com
Creighton University's men's basketball program has secured its future leadership by hiring Alan Huss, currently the head coach at High Point University, as an assistant coach and designated "coach-in-waiting." Huss is set to succeed long-time head coach Greg McDermott upon his eventual retirement.

Key Insights

Succession Plan: Alan Huss joins Creighton not just as an assistant but as the chosen successor to Greg McDermott, ensuring coaching continuity.

Proven Success: Huss led High Point to its first Big South regular-season title and was named the conference's Coach of the Year in just his second season.

McDermott's Endorsement: Coach McDermott hand-picked Huss, highlighting his fit with the program's culture and his potential to lead the Bluejays in the future.

"Coach-in-Waiting" Role: This relatively uncommon designation provides stability and a clear transition plan for the program.

Why this matters: This move provides long-term stability for the Creighton basketball program, signaling a commitment to maintaining the team's competitive edge and culture even after McDermott's tenure ends. It avoids potential instability often associated with coaching changes.

In-Depth Analysis

Alan Huss's move to Creighton marks a significant step in the Bluejays' long-term planning. After a successful stint at High Point, where he revitalized the program and achieved historic success with a Big South regular-season championship and an NIT appearance, Huss established himself as a rising coaching talent. His previous experience includes serving as an assistant under Greg McDermott at Creighton from 2017-2021, giving him familiarity with the program's system and values.

The "coach-in-waiting" title, while not unique, is relatively rare in high-major college basketball. It allows Huss to integrate back into the program, contribute as an assistant, and prepare to eventually take the reins from McDermott, who has led Creighton to significant success, including multiple NCAA Tournament appearances. This structured transition aims to maintain program stability, aid recruiting efforts by providing clarity on future leadership, and ensure the continuation of the culture McDermott has built. Huss's recent success demonstrates his ability to build and lead a winning program.

FAQs

Q: What does "coach-in-waiting" mean?

A: It means Alan Huss is currently an assistant coach but is officially designated to become the head coach when the current head coach, Greg McDermott, retires.

Q: When will Alan Huss become the head coach?

A: He will take over as head coach upon Greg McDermott's retirement. The exact timing is not yet specified.

Q: What did Alan Huss achieve at High Point?

A: In his second season, he led High Point to its first-ever Big South regular-season title and was named the conference's Coach of the Year.

Key Takeaways

Program Stability: Creighton fans can be assured of leadership continuity, which is crucial for sustained success in college sports.

Proven Successor: The Bluejays are bringing in a coach with recent head coaching success and familiarity with the program.

Impact on High Point: High Point University will now need to conduct a search for a new head coach to build on the success Huss achieved.

Discussion

This move secures Creighton's coaching future. What do you think of the "coach-in-waiting" strategy in college basketball? Do you think Alan Huss is the right fit to eventually lead the Bluejays? Let us know your thoughts!

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