The Atlantic 10 already had an intriguing group of coaches with Chris Mack carrying the tradition at Xavier, Fran Dunphy leading the consistent Temple program, Rick Majerus leading a comeback for both Saint Louis and his own career, and the well-established Phil Martelli at St. Joseph’s.

And all that was before conference expansion.

The Atlantic 10 added to its coaching might this by adding Brad Stevens of Butler and Shaka Smart of VCU, whom we’ve tabbed as the top two coaches in the conference.

That’s not a slight to the other coaches in the league -- which includes accomplished newcomers like Jim Ferry at Duquesne and Dan Hurley at Rhode Island. The Atlantic 10 has a coaching lineup to rival any major conference. In fact, A-10 coaches have as many Final Four appearances (four combined, from Stevens, Smart and Majerus) as the coaches in the Pac-12.

Here’s our look at this mix of experienced coaches and young up-and-comers.


Note: Coaches are ranked on a mix of past accomplishments with consideration for career trajectory over the next five seasons or so. Rankings take Xs and Os acumen and recruiting prowess into account along with success in the regular season and postseason.

1. Brad Stevens, Butler
Overall record: 139-40 (11-4 in the NCAA Tournament)
Record at Butler: 139-40 (73-17 Horizon)

By reaching two national championship games, Stevens elevated Butler from plucky mid-major to a national brand. Beyond the NCAA Tournament, no coach has won more games in his first five seasons. The 35-year-old Stevens spurned an opportunity to coach Illinois to bring Butler from the Horizon the tougher Atlantic 10.

http://www.athlonsports.com/college-bask...ll-coaches