Sampson and Pearl Seek First Championship Ring With Total of 1,199 Wins

Two former small-college bench bosses - Houston's Kelvin Sampson (commenced head-coaching career with Montana Tech from 1981-82 through 1984-85) and Auburn's Bruce Pearl (Southern Indiana from 1992-93 through 2000-01) - enter the 2025 Final Four among the seven active coaches compiling most NCAA playoff victories without capturing a national title. Pearl and Rick Barnes combined for 13 playoff appearances with Tennessee since 2006 without reaching a national semifinal, let alone securing a national crown. Ditto Thad Matta and Sean Miller in total of 12 appearances for Xavier in 21st Century. Barnes is active coach boasting most career victories (836) without winning an NCAA title. Following is the list of active mentors with more than 20 tourney triumphs but no national crown:

*Entering 2025 Final Four.