We continue our look into the Missouri Valley Conference, having already ranked guards, wings, and forwards, with a look at the conference’s best coaches.
While the top spot may not be up for a tremendous debate at the moment, the list still holds plenty of intrigue.
1. Gregg Marshall, Wichita State Shockers
When you’ve been named the conference Coach of the Year three years in a row, while barely missing out on making that streak extend for a fourth year, you’ve pretty much got the top spot nailed down. Watch the video above to get the full rundown on Marshall and how he’s built Wichita State into such a powerhouse.
2. Ben Jacobsen, Northern Iowa Panthers
Last season’s Coach of the Year shouldn’t be too much of a surprise, as he also has the second best winning percentage among conference coaches. Jacobsen was a hot name on the coaching market this offseason, but he eased many concerns around the program when he agreed to a 10-year contract extension, making it known how well things are going up at UNI.
3. Greg Lansing, Indiana State Sycamores
After making the NCAA Tournament his first year, Indiana State hasn’t been back to the Big Dance under Lansing, but they are 23-13 in conference play the past two seasons. Lansing did help the program earn a signature win last season when they topped Notre Dame, and they’re looking to keep up with the Shockers and Panthers moving forward.
4. Dan Muller, Illinois State Redbirds
Muller is one of the youngest head coaches in the business, when looking at some of the top conferences, and his Redbirds finally experienced a breakthrough season in 2014-2015. With a run into the second round of the NIT behind them, expectations are high around the program entering next season.
5. Porter Moser, Loyola Ramblers
Moser has helped guide the Ramblers into MVC action after leaving the Horizon League, his second go-around in the conference, as he was previously the head man at Illinois State. Last season finally saw his program break the 20-win mark, and it showed that Moser is an up and comer in the conference.
