Hoiberg Credits McDermott as Coaching Tree Comes Full Circle Amid Creighton Exit

The retirement of Creighton head coach Greg McDermott prompted an emotional response from Nebraska head coach Fred Hoiberg, whose own coaching career was closely tied to McDermott’s departure from Iowa State years earlier. Their professional paths have been linked for more than a decade, forming a narrative that spans multiple programs and levels of success.

Hoiberg’s first major opportunity in college basketball came in 2010 at Iowa State, when McDermott left to take over at Creighton. That vacancy opened the door for Hoiberg to step into a head coaching role, setting in motion a career that would later include both NBA and collegiate stops.

After five seasons at Iowa State, Hoiberg returned to the NBA, joining the Chicago Bulls as head coach. He guided the team to a playoff appearance in his second season, but his tenure ended shortly thereafter following a difficult start to the following campaign. In 2019, he returned to the college ranks, taking over the Nebraska program.

Now in his current role, Hoiberg has overseen a gradual rebuild of the Cornhuskers, who endured several challenging seasons before making progress in recent years. That progress has now culminated in a significant postseason breakthrough, adding context to the long arc of his coaching journey.

1. Hoiberg’s Path and Nebraska Breakthrough

Hoiberg’s tenure at Nebraska began with a rebuilding phase that required patience and incremental development. The program struggled to find consistent success in his early seasons, as the team worked to establish identity and competitiveness within the conference. Despite those early setbacks, Nebraska reached the NCAA Tournament in 2024, marking a key milestone for the program under Hoiberg. Although the team exited in the first round, the appearance signaled progress and validated the direction of the program. The following season presented another setback, as Nebraska failed to return to the tournament. However, the team responded in the current campaign by advancing to the Sweet 16, marking a significant step forward and a historic moment for the school. Nebraska’s first-round victory over Troy represented the program’s first-ever win in the NCAA Tournament, ending a long-standing drought and providing a breakthrough moment for both the team and its head coach. The achievement underscores the cumulative impact of Hoiberg’s work since taking over the program.

2. McDermott’s Legacy at Creighton

While Hoiberg’s Nebraska program has been on an upward trajectory, McDermott’s tenure at Creighton has been defined by consistency and sustained success. Under his leadership, the Bluejays became a regular presence in postseason play, particularly within the Big East. Creighton qualified for the NCAA Tournament 10 times during McDermott’s tenure, establishing the program as a reliable competitor on the national stage. That consistency helped elevate the program’s profile and solidify its standing among mid-to-high major programs. The Bluejays also achieved notable postseason runs, including an Elite Eight appearance in 2023 and a Sweet 16 run in 2024. These performances demonstrated the program’s ability to compete deep into the tournament against top-tier opposition. However, the final stretch of McDermott’s tenure did not replicate those earlier highs. Creighton exited in the second round in 2025 and ultimately missed the tournament this season. Despite those recent results, McDermott’s overall body of work remains a defining chapter in the program’s history.

3. A Coaching Connection Spanning Careers

The professional connection between Hoiberg and McDermott extends beyond individual programs, reflecting a shared history that has influenced both of their careers. Hoiberg has acknowledged that his first opportunity at Iowa State would not have been possible without McDermott’s departure. That opportunity set Hoiberg on a path that included both college and NBA coaching experiences, ultimately shaping his approach and philosophy. His return to Nebraska represents another chapter in a career marked by adaptation and persistence. McDermott’s retirement brings closure to a coaching era at Creighton while also highlighting his long-term impact on the sport. His success in building and sustaining a competitive program contributed to the broader landscape of college basketball over the past decade and a half. As Hoiberg continues to guide Nebraska through its current success, the connection between the two coaches serves as a reminder of how careers in sports can intersect in meaningful ways. Their shared history reflects the ripple effects of coaching decisions and how opportunities at one program can influence trajectories across the game.