Will Michigan or Kansas Poach Iowa Basketball Coach Ben McCollum?
Ben McCollum led Iowa to the Elite Eight in his first season as head coach, and now two of college basketball's biggest programs could come calling. With Dusty May leaving Michigan for the NBA's Dallas Mavericks and Bill Self's retirement looming at Kansas, McCollum's name is at the top of every coaching hot list. The question for Iowa fans is whether the state's most popular coach will stay home or take a blue-blood job.
Why Michigan Is Suddenly Open
Mike Boynton is essentially auditioning for the permanent Michigan job this coming season. If he succeeds, Michigan will likely retain him. If he struggles, Michigan will look for a long-term replacement. That means Michigan could be an open job as soon as next year, creating a prime opportunity for a high-profile hire.
Bill Self's Retirement Timeline at Kansas
Bill Self will step down from Kansas and retire at some point, but the timing remains uncertain. Health is a factor. The outcome of next season could also influence his decision. A Final Four run might be the perfect exit. An early NCAA Tournament loss could push Self toward one more season in 2028. Either way, Kansas could easily be an open job next year.
Ben McCollum's Iowa Success Makes Him a Top Target
McCollum took Iowa to the Elite Eight in Year 1. He is a rock-star coach who will and should get phone calls from the top programs when their jobs come open. The industry consensus has been that Kansas is the job McCollum would take if it came open. KU's first call will go to McCollum when Bill Self retires. Michigan, however, changes the calculus entirely.
The Kansas Job: Pros and Cons for McCollum
The pros of Kansas are simple. It is a blue-blood program steeped in history. It is Phog Allen Fieldhouse. The brand name is robust. Coaches such as Bill Self win national championships at Kansas. The school is all-in on basketball.
The cons are real, though. Arizona, Houston, Iowa State, and Texas Tech are all in the same conference. The Big 12 is a beast. The Big Ten is very tough, but the Big 12 would not be any easier.
The Michigan Job: Pros and Cons for McCollum
McCollum would not have to change conferences if he went to Michigan. The Wolverines have top-tier resources. The Tom Izzo era at Michigan State is winding down. Bluebloods Indiana and UCLA are struggling. Michigan is in position to remain the Big Ten's top basketball power, with Illinois being the primary competitor.
There are drawbacks, though. A move from Iowa to Michigan might be emotionally uncomfortable for McCollum, who previously coached at Drake and is hugely popular within the state of Iowa. Another issue is Michigan Athletic Director Warde Manuel, who is not well-liked by a large percentage of the fan base and might not be an ideal boss.
What Does This Mean for Iowa?
Iowa fans have been here before. The state has a history of producing successful coaches who get plucked by bigger programs. McCollum's deep ties to Iowa, including his time at Drake, make him a beloved figure. But college basketball is a business, and blue-blood programs come with resources and prestige that are hard to match. Iowa's challenge is clear. The program must invest in McCollum and show a commitment to winning at the highest level, or risk losing him to a school with deeper pockets and a bigger brand.
Could Ben McCollum Leave Iowa for Michigan or Kansas?
Yes. McCollum is considered one of the top coaches in college basketball after leading Iowa to the Elite Eight in his first season. Industry sources expect Kansas to call McCollum first when Bill Self retires. Michigan is now a potential suitor after Dusty May's departure to the NBA.
Why Is Ben McCollum So Popular in Iowa?
McCollum previously coached at Drake, where he built a strong following. His success at Iowa in Year 1, including an Elite Eight run, has made him one of the most popular coaches in the state. Iowa fans see him as one of their own.
What Are the Biggest Obstacles to McCollum Leaving Iowa?
Emotional ties to Iowa are significant. McCollum is deeply connected to the state after coaching at Drake and Iowa. A move to Michigan would also mean working under Athletic Director Warde Manuel, who is unpopular with a large portion of the Michigan fan base. A move to Kansas would mean entering the grueling Big 12 conference.