The University of Akron Athletics
John Groce Named Finalist for Hugh Durham Mid-Major National Coach of the Year Award
March 05 | Men's Basketball
BOSTON, Mass. - For the second straight year, head men's basketball coach John Groce has been named a finalist for the High Durham National Mid-Major Coach of the Year, as announced by CollegeInsider.com on Thursday, March 5.
The 2025 Hugh Durham award winner, Groce has led the Zips to a 25-5 overall record and a 17-1 record in the Mid-American Conference in 2025-26. Akron has gone 33-2 in the MAC and 53-12 overall the past two seasons.
The Hugh Durham award is presented annually to the top mid-major head coach in college basketball.
The Hugh Durham award is named in honor of the former Florida State, Georgia and Jacksonville head coach. In eight seasons at Jacksonville University, Durham became the Dolphins' all-time winningest Division I coach (106 wins), making him the only coach in NCAA history to be the winningest coach (pct. or wins) at three different Division I schools.
HUGH DURHAM AWARD FINALISTS
Casey Alexander Belmont
Randy Bennett Saint Mary's
Kenny Blakeney Howard
Matt Braeuer Stephen F. Austin
Flynn Clayman High Point
Jim Ferry UMBC
Joe Gallo Merrimack
Kevin Giltner Wofford
Corey Gipson Austin Peary
Doug Gottlieb Green Bay
Justin Gray Coastal Carolina
John Groce Akron
James Jones Yale
Jon Judkins Utah Tech
Ritchie McKay Liberty
Chris Mudge Sam Houston
Jon Perry Navy
Todd Phillips Utah Valley
David Richman North Dakota State
Herb Sendek Santa Clara
John Shulman Central Arkansas
Takayo Siddle UNCW
Dave Smart Pacific
Nolan Smith Tennessee State
Travis Steele Miami
