2019 NCAA Tournament: 5 potential breakout coach candidates

DAYTON, OH - MARCH 15: Head coach LeVelle Moton of the North Carolina Central Eagles reacts in the second half against the UC Davis Aggies during the First Four game in the 2017 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at UD Arena on March 15, 2017 in Dayton, Ohio. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

4 of 6

Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images /

Johnny Dawkins, UCF

Johnny Dawkins is in his second head coaching stint, this time with the UCF Knights and he’s turning it into success just three seasons in. He’s led the Knights to two 20-plus win seasons since taking over in 2016-17 and now, with Tacko Fall leading the way, he’s on the rise once again.

Dawkins led UCF to a 23-8 record this season and they were briefly ranked towards the end of the regular season. He’s led them to a 66-33 record, a much better start than when he was at Stanford.

Although UCF didn’t win the American Athletic Conference regular season or conference title, they still managed to earn an at-large bid into the NCAA Tournament. Dawkins made just one appearance in eight seasons with the Cardinal.

As a No. 9 seed in the East region, don’t be surprised if the Knights beat the No. 8 seeded VCU Rams in the first round. Dawkins is seeing his stock rise once again, which isn’t surprising given his predecessor is coaching the No. 1 seed in the same region.

Home/March Madness