Oklahoma men’s basketball coach Lon Kruger is retiring after 45 years as a coach, it was announced on Thursday.
Kruger, 68, has been in charge of the Sooners for the past decade, leading them to seven NCAA tournaments and a participation in the Four Finals in 2016. They finished 16-11 overall this season, ranging from 9-8 on Big 12 and advancing to the second round of the NCAA tournament before losing to Gonzaga.
Before taking office in Oklahoma, Kruger led UNLV to four appearances in the NCAA tournament over seven seasons, including a Sweet 16 run in 2007.
Considered one of the most underrated coaches of his generation, Kruger started his coaching career in 1976 as an assistant at Pittsburg State. He spent time as an assistant at Kansas State before becoming the head coach of Texas-Pan American. Kruger was also the head coach in Kansas State, Florida and Illinois – and also spent three seasons as head coach for the Atlanta Hawks and a year with the New York Knicks as an assistant.
Overall, Kruger was 674-432 as the college’s head coach, went to 20 NCAA tournaments and made two appearances in the Four Finals. He is one of only three coaches to lead five different programs for the NCAA tournament, along with Rick Pitino and Tubby Smith.
“His track record of successfully rebuilding programs everywhere he trained is even more impressive when considering how he did it,” Oklahoma Athletic Director Joe Castiglione said in a statement. “He won with integrity, humility, class and grace. He did it with superior leadership skills and genuine kindness that included his constant encouragement to everyone around him.”
Kruger’s son, Kevin, was recently appointed head coach of the UNLV. Sources told ESPN that this had an impact on Kruger’s decision to retire.
With Kruger’s departure, both basketball jobs are open in Oklahoma, with longtime coach Sherri Coale announcing her retirement last week.