Baylor Bears men’s basketball head coach Scott Drew has been named the National Coach of the Year, a crowning achievement that recognizes two decades of transformation, resilience, and excellence in college basketball.
Drew, who took over the Baylor program in 2003 amid one of its darkest periods, has become synonymous with endurance and a dedication to achieving success in the proper way. What began as a massive challenge—reviving a program plagued by scandal and tragedy—has become one of the most inspiring success stories in NCAA history.
Drew transformed Baylor into a powerhouse by combining his distinctive optimism, persistent recruiting, and a culture of humility and hard work. Under his leadership, the Bears have established themselves as a perennial Big 12 and national championship challenger. Drew’s résumé now includes historic victories including as Sweet Sixteen outings, Elite Eight runs, and, most significantly, Baylor’s first-ever NCAA Championship victory in 2021.
This year, Drew demonstrated his coaching prowess once more, taking a young but strong Baylor squad deep into postseason contention despite injuries and one of the most difficult schedules in the NCAA. His ability to adapt to the modern game while preaching discipline, character, and collaboration has earned him not only national respect, but also popularity in Waco and beyond.
More than his win-loss record, Scott Drew stands out for the impact he has on his players’ lives. Former players such as Davion Mitchell, Jared Butler, and Royce O’Neale have acknowledged Drew as a mentor, father figure, and leader. He’s known for developing a program that mixes on-court brilliance with off-court integrity, which is unusual in today’s competitive landscape.
Drew’s humility shined through even when he collected the National Coach of the Year title. “This honor reflects not just me, but our staff, players, university, and community,” he stated during the Waco press conference. “We’ve built something special here at Baylor, and I’m just grateful to be a part of it.”
Drew, the winningest coach in Baylor men’s basketball history, leaves a legacy of redemption and inspiration. His rise from restoring a depleted team to leading one of college basketball’s finest has been nothing short of remarkable. With over 450 career wins and counting, his position in college basketball history is certain. As the basketball world celebrates this well-deserved honor, it is evident that Scott Drew has earned not only the title of the nation’s top coach, but also the eternal esteem of fans, peers, and the whole Baylor family.