College basketball never really stops moving. While fans focus on conference races and tournament resumes, athletic directors are already looking ahead. When programs stumble, the next question is always the same: who’s out there that can fix this?
The answer often comes from outside the spotlight. Mid-major coaches win without five-star recruits, adapt quickly to roster turnover, and build trust inside locker rooms that change every year. Those skills travel well. In recent seasons, we’ve seen multiple coaches make that jump and stabilize power programs almost immediately.
As the 2025–26 season pushes toward March, these five coaches feel like the next logical names to rise. None of them are chasing attention. They’re just winning, and that tends to speak loudly.
Josh Schertz – A steady winner who lets the team shine
Schertz doesn’t coach like someone hunting headlines. His Saint Louis teams play connected basketball, share the scoring load, and rarely beat themselves. That balance is exactly why his name keeps coming up in coaching conversations. Power programs looking for stability rather than a full reset will see Schertz as someone who can walk in and make things functional quickly. The Billikens went to 22-1 with a win at Davidson on Tuesday, and have now won 16 straight games.
Jerrod Calhoun – Calm, consistent, and built for pressure
Taking over after a successful coach leaves is never easy, but Calhoun made it look manageable. Utah State hasn’t skipped a beat, staying competitive in a tough Mountain West while continuing to develop players. He doesn’t oversell anything. He just puts teams on the floor that compete every night, and that reliability is valuable at the next level. The Aggies have won three straight games and are 9-2 in the league and 18-3 overall.
Takayo Siddle – Still young, already established
Siddle feels like the kind of coach programs identify early and don’t let slip away. His teams defend, rebound, and handle close games with poise. There’s a clear identity at UNC Wilmington, and that’s usually the first thing missing when bigger programs fall apart. Age works in his favor here, too. He has room to grow without needing to be rebuilt himself. The Seahawks are 19-3 overall and lead the CAA at 8-1.
Travis Steele – A reset that worked
Steele’s career didn’t follow a straight line, and that might actually help him now. His turnaround at Miami (Ohio) has been impressive, especially offensively, and it shows growth from his first head-coaching stop. Programs looking for energy, pace, and a modern offensive approach will see Steele as someone who learned from early mistakes and came back better. The Redhawks are one of two teams with an unbeaten record. Miami won a Buffalo by two on Tuesday night to move to 23-0.
Tony Skinn – A natural fit for the next step
Skinn has brought confidence and consistency to George Mason, and his teams reflect his personality. They play hard, stay composed, and expect to win. With experience as both a player in a high-pressure environment and an assistant at major programs, Skinn feels ready when the opportunity comes. He won’t need an adjustment period. The Patriots are 20-2 overall and sit 8-1 in the Atlantic 10.
Why These Coaches Keep Showing Up on Shortlists?
What connects these names isn’t just winning. It’s how they win. They adapt. They develop. They manage rosters that change every year without losing identity.
When power-conference programs move on from coaches on hot seats, they aren’t always looking for a splash. Often, they just want someone who can restore trust, competitiveness, and relevance.
These five coaches check those boxes. As the carousel starts spinning, don’t be surprised if one or two of them are suddenly standing on a much bigger sideline next fall.