One of the most respected head coaches in college basketball, John Becker has built a dynasty at Vermont. In 2023, he became the winningest coach in program history, passing Tom Brennan after a victory over Bryant. Now, Becker begins his 15th season in Burlington with the Catamounts looking to extend their run of success and climb back to the top of the America East Conference.
Becker’s track record at Vermont speaks for itself. The Catamounts have won at least 20 games in 13 of his 14 seasons, with the only exception coming in the shortened 2020-21 campaign when they finished 10-5. Last season, Vermont went 21-12 and finished second in the league, ending an incredible streak of eight straight regular-season titles.
From Gallaudet Struggles to Green Mountain Glory
Becker’s rise to coaching prominence was not immediate. His first head coaching opportunity came at Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C., where he endured two tough seasons and a 6-44 record. Those early years, however, helped shape his coaching style and resolve. In 2006, he joined Vermont as an assistant, quietly learning the system and culture that would later define his tenure.
In 2011, Becker took over as head coach and immediately began steering Vermont toward sustained excellence. Since then, he has captured nine America East regular-season titles and six conference tournament championships. The Catamounts have reached the NCAA Tournament five times under his leadership.
Becker owns a 1-5 career record in the NCAA Tournament, with his lone win coming in 2012 when Vermont defeated Lamar in the First Four. That victory sent the Catamounts into a matchup against North Carolina in Greensboro, where their season came to an end. Still, that run marked a defining moment for both Becker and the program.
A Coach Who Defines Consistency
Becker’s success is built on player development, defensive discipline, and a winning culture that rarely wavers. He has been named America East Coach of the Year seven times, most recently in 2024. His teams are known for their balance, effort, and toughness, making Vermont one of the most consistent programs in college basketball year after year.
The 2025-26 season offers another opportunity for Becker and the Catamounts to prove they remain the standard in the America East. Vermont opens the year at Patrick Gymnasium against Western New England before hosting Plattsburgh State on November 5. The first road game comes November 9 at Brown, followed by a challenging stretch that includes trips to Orlando for a Thanksgiving tournament opener against Liberty.
After returning home to face Yale on November 30, Vermont will head west for games against Oregon State and Pepperdine. It’s a schedule that should test the Catamounts early while preparing them for another competitive conference season.
Fifteen years into his Vermont journey, John Becker’s legacy continues to grow. From his humble beginnings to becoming one of the nation’s most consistent winners, Becker has turned the Catamounts into a model of stability and success in college basketball.