By Jack Borok
The greatest tournament in all of sports, March Madness, is here and there are quite a few Jewish coaches whose squads can make some noise in this year’s tournament. Here are the seven Jewish coaches to watch out for as you fill out your March Madness brackets this year.
Todd Golden – Florida
Todd Golden, credit: AP News
In his fourth year at the helm of the Florida Gators, Todd Golden has set the bar incredibly high for himself, coming off of his astounding national championship run last season. He has met those expectations this year, winning his first SEC regular season title and earning a number one seed in the NCAA Tournament for the second consecutive season. With returning stars Thomas Haugh, Alex Condon and Rueben Chinyelu in addition to great additions Boogie Fland and Xaivian Lee, Golden’s Gators look to be a national championship contender once again in 2026.
Jon Scheyer – Duke
Jon Scheyer, credit: Duke Basketball Report
In his fourth season since taking over the reins at Duke from the legendary Mike Krzyzewski, Jon Scheyer has once again put his Blue Devils in a position to contend for a national title. Duke won the ACC regular season title for the second consecutive season and the ACC conference tournament for the third time in Scheyer’s four years as head coach. Scheyer’s squad also earned a number one seed in the NCAA tournament for the second consecutive season and they will look to avenge their loss to Houston in last year’s Final Four. Led by Naismith College Player of the Year frontrunner Cameron Boozer, Scheyer’s Blue Devils will be one of the favorites to take home the national championship once again in 2026.
Flynn Clayman – High Point
Flynn Clayman, credit: 247 Sports
In Flynn Clayman’s first year as the head coach at High Point, he led the Panthers to a historic 30-4 season, winning the Big South conference tournament and securing an automatic qualification for the NCAA Tournament, marking just the second ever March Madness appearance in school history and earning a number 12 seed. Clayman’s squad is one of the highest scoring teams in the country, leading the nation in total points scored and coming in 5th in points per game. High Point will look to upset the #5 seeded Wisconsin Badgers in the first round to begin their tournament run under Clayman’s leadership, and should have a potential opportunity to do so with their offensive firepower.
Josh Schertz – Saint Louis
Josh Schertz, credit: ESPN
In just his second season as head coach at Saint Louis, Josh Schertz has led the Billikens to a fantastic season, ranking as one of the top mid-major schools in the country. Saint Louis went 28-5, winning a share of the Atlantic 10 regular season title, and secured the school’s first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2019 and a #9 seed in the big dance. Led by star big man Robbie Avila, Schertz’s Saint Louis squad will look to upset the #8 seeded Georgia Bulldogs in the first round and make a run in this year’s tournament.
Alex Pribble – Idaho
Alex Pribble, credit: Vandal Athletics
In his third season as head coach at Idaho, Alex Pribble has led the Vandals to their best season yet. He led the team on a stunning run through the Big Sky Conference tournament, securing the championship and a #15 seed in the NCAA Tournament. This was the school’s first time qualifying for March Madness since 1990, an incredible feat accomplished under Coach Pribble’s leadership. Despite a daunting first round matchup with #2 seeded Houston, Pribble’s Vandals are playing with a great level of confidence and will look to shock the world with a Cinderella run in this year’s tournament.
Eran Ganot – Hawaii
Eran Ganot, credit: ABC10
In his 11th season in charge at Hawaii, Eran Ganot has led the Rainbow Warriors back to the NCAA Tournament for his second time. In his previous appearance in 2016, he lead Hawaii to an upset of #4 California as a #13 seed. Ganot will look to repeat that success with his 2026 team that won the Big West Conference tournament, securing automatic qualification for March Madness and once again earning a #13 seed. While facing a difficult matchup in #4 seeded Arkansas, Ganot’s squad enters the tournament on a hot streak and will look to repeat history in the big dance.
Mazel Tov to Todd Golden, Jon Scheyer, Lindsay Gottlieb, Flynn Clayman, Josh Schertz, Alex Pribble, and Eran Ganot on qualifying for the 2026 March Madness tournament. We look forward to cheering on your squads as you pursue a National Title!
