Youngest Champs
OU's Jeff Capel, who will turn 34 on Thursday, is building a reputation as one of the top young coaches in America.
Here's a list of coaches who made a mark early, the youngest ever to win an NCAA championship:
Coach, Team, Year, Age
1. Branch McCracken, Indiana, 1940, 31 years, 9 months, 21 days
In the Basketball Hall of Fame as a player, he also coached the Hoosiers to the '53 title.
2. Harold Foster, Wisconsin, 1941, 34 years, 9 months, 29 days
Basketball Hall of Fame member, Foster played and coached at Wisconsin.
3. Fred Taylor, Ohio State, 1960, 35 years, 3 months, 16 days
Buckeyes were runners-up under Taylor in '61 and '62, teams went 14-4 in NCAA play.
4. Bob Knight, Indiana, 1976, 35 years, 5 months, 4 days
The General followed with NCAA titles in '81 and '87 and may not be done yet.
5. Howard Dobson, Oregon, 1939, 35 years, 8 months, 23 days
Later led Yale to its first NCAA Tournament and was a president of the NABC.
6. Don Haskins, UTEP, 1966, 36 years, 0 months, 5 days
Enid native made history coaching the first championship team to start five black players.
7. Jim Valvano, N.C. State, 1983, 37 years, 0 months, 24 days
Jimmy V. launched a legend with his famous reaction after the Wolfpack's unlikely title win.
Next Story
