Creighton Men’s Basketball Head Coach Retires After 16 Seasons Greg McDermott, the head coach of the Creighton Bluejays men’s basketball team, is retiring after 16 years with the program. The 58-year-old coach, who holds the school’s all-time wins record, announced his decision to step down following the 2025-2026 season. His retirement marks the end of an era for the Bluejays, whose success under his leadership has become a defining chapter in the program’s history. McDermott’s impact extended far beyond the court. Former players, teammates, and sportscasters praised his dedication to both the team and the community. Josh Jones, a former Bluejays star, described McDermott as a “poster child of Omaha,” highlighting his role as a model citizen and mentor. Jones recalled how McDermott supported him through personal struggles, including open heart surgery, and remained a constant presence even after a tough loss on the road. “He never gave up on me,” Jones said, emphasizing the emotional bond they shared. McDermott’s influence also shaped the careers of other players. He helped Doug McDermott, his son, transition from college basketball to the NBA, ensuring the younger player received the same attention and guidance as his teammates. “He treated Doug like another one of the boys,” Jones noted, adding that McDermott’s leadership was instrumental in the team’s 2013 Big East tournament run. Sportscaster John Bishop, who covers the Bluejays, described McDermott as the “papa bear of the family,” a figure who made every player and fan feel valued. Bishop recalled how McDermott welcomed him to the team with a personal introduction, reinforcing the coach’s commitment to building a sense of belonging. “He made me feel like I was part of the family,” Bishop said.#creighton_bluejays #greg_mcdermott #josh_jones #john_bishop #mcdermott_center
Greg McDermott Announces Retirement; Alan Huss to Lead Creighton Men’s Basketball Greg McDermott, the all-time winningest coach in Creighton men’s basketball history, has announced his retirement following the team’s final game in the College Basketball Crown tournament. His departure marks the end of a 16-year tenure, during which he led the Bluejays to numerous accolades and established a legacy of excellence. Alan Huss, who has served as associate head coach since returning to his alma mater in April 2025, will assume the role of head coach. McDermott expressed gratitude for the support of his family, players, staff, and the Omaha community, emphasizing his pride in the program’s achievements and the growth of its athletes. Creighton President the Rev. Daniel S. Hendrickson praised McDermott’s impact, highlighting his leadership in guiding the team to NCAA Tournament appearances and fostering student-athlete development. Hendrickson also acknowledged the transition plan initiated in April 2025, which aims to ensure a seamless handover. Marcus Blossom, the McCormick Endowed Athletic Director, echoed these sentiments, crediting McDermott’s contributions to the program’s national prominence and expressing confidence in Huss’s ability to build on that foundation. Huss, reflecting on his new role, expressed humility and gratitude for the opportunity to lead. He acknowledged McDermott’s influence in shaping the program’s culture and thanked the university leadership for their trust. McDermott’s retirement comes after a career spanning 32 seasons as a head coach, with a 645-383 record. At Creighton, he compiled a 365-188 mark, becoming the program’s all-time wins leader in 2024.#greg_mcdermott #alan_huss #creighton_men_s_basketball #daniel_hendrickson #mccormick_endowed
Creighton Bluejays Open Big East Tournament Seeking Statement Win Over Seton Hall Creighton Bluejays enter the Big East Tournament with a clear objective: to make a strong statement in their first postseason game against fourth-seeded Seton Hall. The Bluejays, seeded fifth, aim to extend their stay in New York with a quarterfinal matchup at Madison Square Garden, where they hope to secure momentum for a potential semifinal run. The game, set for 1:30 p.m. Central time, represents a critical test for the team as they look to prove they are capable of competing at the highest level in March. The Bluejays’ path to the semifinals hinges on the performance of their core trio, starting with guard Josh Dix, whose steady scoring and veteran leadership have been key in recent wins. Alongside him, guard Nik Graves must continue to balance his playmaking, defensive instincts, and scoring to keep the offense organized against Seton Hall’s pressure. Forward Jasen Green’s rebounding becomes even more vital as four frontcourt players are sidelined, with his 5.9 rebounds per game potentially tipping the balance in second-chance opportunities and defensive stops. Point guard Austin Swartz, who leads the team with 62 three-pointers, adds a crucial perimeter threat, making the Bluejays’ offensive blueprint clear: their top producers must carry the load and stay efficient to compensate for their depleted size. The matchup against Seton Hall carries historical significance, as the two programs are tied at 17–17 all-time, but Creighton holds a strong edge in recent meetings. The Bluejays have won 11 of the last 14 matchups, including a dramatic 69–68 victory in Omaha on February 7.#big_east_tournament #creighton_bluejays #seton_hall #josh_dix #greg_mcdermott
