Photo by: Justin Kreutzian
Men’s Basketball Introduces Alan Huss as Head Coach
3/25/2026 12:05:00 PM | Men's Basketball
OMAHA, Neb. (Mar. 25, 2026) – Alan Huss was introduced as the 17th head coach in the Creighton men's basketball history on March 25, 2026. Huss, who served six years as assistant coach (2017-23) before returning last April as associate head coach and head coach in waiting, will take over after the retirement of Greg McDermott following Creighton's postseason run at the College Basketball Crown in Las Vegas (April 2-5).
A 2002 Creighton graduate, Huss becomes the first alum to take the reins of the men's basketball program since Tom Apke patrolled the Bluejay sideline from 1974-81.
"I am incredibly honored and humbled to be named the head men's basketball coach at Creighton University," said Huss. "This University has meant so much to me as a former player, as an alum and through the seven years I've spent serving this program. Creighton helped shape who I am, and the opportunity to now lead this program is something I do not take lightly.
"I want to sincerely thank Father Hendrickson and Marcus Blossom for their trust and belief in me. I also want to express my deep gratitude to Coach Greg McDermott, who elevated this program to national prominence and built a culture of consistency and excellence that is respected across the country. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn under his leadership and for the belief he has shown in me throughout this transition.
"Following coaches like Greg McDermott and Dana Altman is both a privilege and a responsibility. They established the standard here with sustained success, NCAA Tournament appearances, and a program built on toughness, discipline and class. We will work relentlessly every day to uphold and build on that standard in how we recruit, develop, prepare and compete.
"To our players, alumni, and supporters, we will pour everything we have into representing Creighton the right way. This is home, and I cannot wait to get to work."
With Coach McDermott's retirement, Creighton University is implementing the innovative coaching transition plan that was announced in April 2025 by Creighton President the Rev. Daniel S. Hendrickson, SJ, PhD., and McCormick Endowed Athletic Director Marcus Blossom, with collaborative insight from McDermott.
"I join Creighton men's basketball fans and supporters everywhere in thanking Coach McDermott for his 16 years as head coach," said Hendrickson. "He has guided our teams to thrilling wins and numerous NCAA Tournament appearances. Beyond the basketball court, he has helped student-athletes develop into leaders and galvanized our community with events like the Creighton vs. Cancer Pink Out game. While we will miss Coach McDermott's leadership and presence on the sidelines, I am confident Coach Huss will continue to build upon our culture of excellence and success."
"We are excited to welcome Coach Huss as our next head coach," said Blossom. "He brings exceptional leadership, strategic vision, and deep passion for Creighton to this position. And we are all confident that he will build on a very successful foundation as we pursue our goal to be the best basketball program in the BIG EAST."
Huss brings unparalleled leadership and strategic vision, valuable recruiting know-how, and a deep connection to the Bluejays basketball program to the position.
Huss compiled a head coaching record of 56-15 during his two years at High Point University from 2023-25, highlighting his ability to build and lead teams to success. High Point achieved historic milestones, including the program's first NCAA Tournament appearance in Division I history and a then-program-record 29 Division I wins during the 2024-2025 season, showcasing his capacity to elevate a program to new heights. Huss was named the Big South Conference Coach of the Year in 2023-24 and 2024-25.
In seven seasons assistant coach under McDermott (2017-23, 2025-26), Huss has helped CU to 149 victories, eight wins in four NCAA Tournament appearances and its first BIG EAST title in 2019-20. He has worked closely with Creighton's big men, the Bluejay offense and recruiting.
Ryan Kalkbrenner was named BIG EAST Defensive Player of the Year in both 2022 and 2023 and eventually was a Second Round pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. Huss also aided in the recruitment of the nation's No. 7 class entering 2021-22 and served as interim head coach for Creighton three times, including wins against Butler on March 6, 2021 and against DePaul on Jan. 22, 2022.
In 2019-20, Huss worked with Christian Bishop as he blossomed into a key starter on Creighton's BIG EAST champion squad. Bishop compiled back-to-back double-doubles in the first two games of the 2021 NCAA Tournament to help the Bluejays reach their first Sweet 16 since 1974. He also helped tutor Kalkbrenner, who went from an unheralded recruit to a key member of the USA Team that won the gold medal at the FIBA U19 World Cup, and a current player for the NBA's Charlotte Hornets.
In 2018-19, Huss helped Martin Krampelj turn into one of the top post players in the BIG EAST, as he ranked in the top-10 in scoring, blocks, rebounding and steals during league play.
As an assistant in three seasons at New Mexico, Huss helped guide the Lobos to 49 victories. New Mexico went 33-13 at The Pit during that time, and the Lobos finished 5-1 in six meetings against in-state rival New Mexico State.
Huss went to New Mexico after spending four seasons at the helm of the prep program at La Lumiere School in La Porte, Ind., where he amassed an impressive 102-19 record for a team that was regularly ranked as one of the top high school programs in the nation.
His record included a perfect 62-0 home record at Marsch Gymnasium. Huss coached more than three dozen Division I products at the high school level, including former NBA guard Darington Hobson.
Prior to his time at La Lumiere, Huss was the head coach at Culver Military Academy in Culver, Ind., where he set the school record for wins in each of his final two seasons with the Eagles, as well as Decatur Christian.
Huss was a four-year member of the Creighton men's basketball team from 1997-2001, where he played under head coach Dana Altman and alongside future NBA sharpshooter Kyle Korver. During his collegiate career with the Bluejays, Huss was part of three NCAA Tournament teams (1999, 2000, 2001), two Missouri Valley Conference Tournament titles (1999, 2000) and one MVC regular-season title (2001). He played in 94 games with the Bluejays, including 39 starts.
The 6-foot-9-inch Huss was a prep standout at North Kansas City High School. He averaged 26 points and 12 rebounds per game for the Hornets en route to All-Kansas City metro honors as a senior. Following his final season at North Kansas City High, he was selected to the Greater Kansas City Basketball Coaches Association and Missouri-Kansas All-Star games.
Huss earned his Bachelor's degree from Creighton in Business Administration in 2002. He and his wife Katie (also a 2002 Creighton alum) have two daughters, Nicky and Mary. Nicky plays basketball at Truman State.
The Alan Huss File
Personal
• Wife - Katie
• Children - Nicky and Mary
Collegiate Coaching Experience
• Creighton - Associate Head Coach, 2025-Present
• High Point - Head Coach, 2023-25
• Creighton - Assistant Coach, 2017-23
• New Mexico - Assistant Coach, 2014-17
Collegiate Coaching Honors
High Point University
• 2023-24 - Big South Coach of the Year
• 2024-25 - Big South Coach of the Year
Previous Coaching Experience
• La Lumiere School - Head Coach, 2010-14
• Culver Military Academy - Head Coach, 2007-10
• Decatur Christian - Head Coach, 2006-07
• Decatur Eisenhower - Assistant Coach, 2003-05
Collegiate Playing Experience
• Creighton - Center, 1997-2001
College Education
• Creighton - B.S.B.A., management information systems, 2002
Creighton Introduces Alan Huss as Men's Basketball Head Coach
10:00 a.m. • March 25, 2026 • McDermott Center
ROB ANDERSON: It's my pleasure to introduce the 25th President of Creighton University. Reverend Daniel S. Hendrickson of the Society of Jesus.
REV. DANIEL S. HENDRICKSON, SJ, PhD: Thank you. Thank you very much. Thank you, Rob, and welcome to everyone. We're all special guests, but I do want to recognize a few people that are joining us today. We have a number of people from the Creighton Board of Trustees, including the chair of the board, Diane Duren. Scott Heider is here and Cindy, Rob Reed is here and Bob Greenwood and Sherry. So thank you for our governance joining us and university leadership, Jan Madsen and others from around the university, and, including Marcus Blossom, obviously, and you'll hear from him in just a minute.
Today marks an important moment for Creighton University men's basketball. As we recognize the remarkable legacy of Greg McDermott and we look ahead to the next era of our program with Alan Huss. Across 16 seasons. Greg built one of the strongest and most steady cultures in college basketball. He's the winningest coach in the history of Creighton men's basketball, and he led our program to multiple Sweet 16 competitions and our first Elite Eight in the modern era of the NCAA Tournament.
His teams competed at the highest level nationally while representing this university with great integrity and clear determination. Just as important, Greg set a tone that extended far beyond the court. He emphasized academics, character, and leadership in the lives of our student-athletes.
He helped guide the successful transition into the BIG EAST Conference. And through the Creighton vs. Cancer Pinkout, he inspired a tradition that has raised more than $1 million to support cancer patients and cancer families. Creighton men's basketball stands where it does today because of Greg McDermott. His tenure has elevated our program, and he has increased the visibility and the awareness of our Jesuit Catholic mission here at Creighton University. We're grateful, too, that Greg's family has been part of the journey. We welcome Teresa with us today. Greg is here, obviously, as well as walking with their children these past years, Nick and Doug and Sydney.
We move forward from a position of clear strength, real strength. Last spring, with Greg's partnership, we named Alan Huss as head coach in waiting to ensure a purposeful and a seamless transition for our student athletes, our recruits, and our fans when this moment arrived.
Alan is a Creighton Bluejay in every sense of the word. He's an alumnus. He's a former player. He married a Bluejay. And in recent years, he helped build the culture that defines the program today. He's ready to lead. And I'm confident that he will guide Creighton Basketball into the next era with energy. With great expertise and with a clear commitment for success. To be sure, the future of Creighton men's basketball is bright. Here on campus, in this great city around us and across our expansive national network of fans and supporters, we are ready to rally behind our Bluejays in this next exciting chapter.
I would be remiss not to recognize the generosity of so many of you who are here today. Your friendship means the world to us. It can't be said enough. Your relationship with Creighton, with an athletic program, with men's basketball. Your resources, you keep us competitive, and you keep us current. As members of Champions Circle, as contributors of time and talent, as supporters of scholarship dollars. As part of our awesome Fly Together projects and so much more. You've got my thanks, my tremendous gratitude.
Our men's basketball program is in very good hands, both on the court and off. McCormick Endowed Athletic Director Marcus Blossom has been instrumental throughout this process, and I'm especially grateful for his partnership and for his vision. And at this point, I turn the program over to Marcus. And thank you all for being here. Let's welcome Marcus.
MARCUS BLOSSOM: I'm a little taller than Father, so I'm going to adjust the mic a little bit. Good morning and welcome to the McDermott Center. As Father mentioned, today is a special day for Creighton men's basketball as we proudly introduce the 17th head coach in our program's history, Alan Huss.
I'd like to begin by thanking Father Hendrickson and our Board of Trustees for their continued support of our men's basketball program. I also want to thank our athletic department staff. Many are in the room for their tireless efforts throughout both the men's and women's basketball seasons. To our fans and donors, thank you. Your passion. and commitment are vital to our success, and we are deeply grateful for your unwavering support. So our men's basketball student-athletes sitting right up front here, thank you for your hard work. Your dedication and for representing Creighton with both integrity on and off the court. You truly embody what this program stands for. Let's give our men's basketball team a round of applause.
Before we hear from Coach Huss, I'd like to recognize his family, his wife, Katie, the daughters, Mary and Nikki, and Alan's mom and dad, Melinda and Craig. Please welcome, once again, I know he's been here for a year, but welcome the entire Huss family back to Creighton.
As Father mentioned, Alan Huss returns to Creighton. For many meaningful reasons, he and his wife are proud alumni. And Alan is a former Bluejays student-athlete. He actually carried Kyle Korver, Ryan Sears, and the rest of his teammates to multiple NCAA tournaments. Multiple. Omaha is not just a place where he worked. It's a place he calls home. While those connections matter, what makes this opportunity truly special is the foundation that has been built here.
Coach Greg McDermott made it clear that he wanted today to be all about Alan. But it's important to acknowledge and thank Greg for the incredible job he has done. He leaves the program in a position of national prominence and sustained success. And we are deeply appreciative of his leadership.
Coach Huss brings with him a remarkable combination of experience, energy, and vision. He is a tireless worker. A relentless recruiter and a passionate leader who is deeply committed to developing young men both as basketball players and as people. His coaching journey includes a decade of success at the high school level, where he built winning programs and shaped the lives of countless student-athletes. He then spent 10 years coaching at the Division I level as an assistant coach, including seven impactful seasons at Creighton. During that time, he played a pivotal role in 149 victories. multiple NCAA tournament appearances, and a BIG EAST championship. Alan, as you know, also has head coaching experience. As a head coach at High Point, Alan demonstrated exceptional leadership, guiding the program there to new heights.
He earned back-to-back Big South Coach of the Year honors and led the team to its first Division I NCAA Tournament appearance, along with a record-setting 29 victories. But what stands out most about Alan is his commitment to the process of winning. He will invest everything he has into this program. into competing at the highest level in the BIG EAST. Into developing our student-athletes and into representing Creighton University and the Omaha community with pride and integrity.
The future of Creighton men's basketball is incredibly bright. Under his leadership. And I'm excited for what lies ahead. Please join me in welcoming our new coach, Alan Huss.
ALAN HUSS: I heard one of the players say that the jersey looked a little small. It's probably accurate. When you move into one of these situations, before you get started with the thank you's and all the other things that come along with new opportunities. It's impossible not to sit and reflect just a little bit. On how fortunate I am to be where I am right now. And how fortunate we are as a family to be where we are right now. I promise you. I promise you that this is not going to be taken lightly by me. I promise you that this means a lot to me before I get overly sentimental.
Before I get into my thank you's. I want to start with something I thought was a little funny.
I don't know if Rass is here, if Bruce Rasmussen's here. He told a story. I was thinking a little bit about what to say today. Thinking even more about how athletics in today's day and age fits into universities and just general picture things that, as a college basketball coach, you don't get to think about a lot. It led me back to... Someone that a lot of people in this room knew or maybe the numbers are dwindling these days, but several you knew—Doc Bevilacqua. My journey at Creighton started in fall of 97. I came up here, my parents, this is hard for you guys to believe, my parents had never seen the place. Didn't come on an official visit with me. I drove up here on my own, moved myself in.
They hadn't been to the place yet, and I got incredibly sick with pneumonia. My freshman year, right before basketball practice started, literally the week before, and was in the hospital, got out of the hospital. Knew Doc a little bit from my recruiting visit. Met him when we were doing opening physicals, I think, at the beginning of the year. Didn't know him all that well, but I think back to him taking me into his home. And caring for me like his own son. And I think back to what this place is about. What it means to me, what it means to so many people in this room. And I think back to Doc. I think about his selfless attitude towards not only the people here at Creighton, but also his clinic in South Omaha.
And I think what's more: What's a better example or who's a better example of how someone at Creighton should behave, how someone at Creighton should act, how somebody that really lives their Ignatian values. How they live daily, I think back to Doc.
That led me to the funny part of this. I started thinking about Rass' story. Doc used to sit on the end of the bench with... Red McManus, longtime coach here. Red was somewhat vocal. He'd sit on the end of the bench with Father Hart. Red and Doc, and it doesn't sound like that'd be a group that would get into officials. They would. They would sometimes get into the players on the floor, one of which was me when I didn't live up to standards.
Rass tells this story better than I do, but... It was going into my senior year, Red McManus came up to Rass and said, 'Huss is a senior, right?' And Rass was like, 'Yeah, he's a senior.' He was like, 'Why do you ask?' and without hesitation. Red looked right at him and said, 'I just wanted to make sure I never have to watch him play again after this year.' That group, that group, showed us so much love, that trio of human beings. It was really the first time in my life, around the game of basketball, that I met people outside of just immediate coaching staff. Through the game of basketball, that impacted my life.
Those three guys, I think about them I think about what they meant to this University and I hope that as we move forward in this process You know, you'll get a little bit of that. All the student-athletes here will get a little bit of that from other people on this campus. I aim to be one of those people.
To start with, I'd like to do a few thank you's here. My parents, obviously. Marcus and Father have already beat me to the punch on some of these thank you's, but I'm going to reiterate them. The thank you's are so important to me.
Mom, Dad, thanks for being here. I know it wasn't easy for you to deal with me for a lot of years— probably not all that easy to be here, but it means a lot.
I appreciate it every step of the way. I took a very odd course into coaching college basketball when I was a high school basketball coach. When this was a hobby that was costing me money, My parents were there every step of the way. I've enjoyed it with you. Thank you for that so much.
Katie, obviously, I met you here. At the library studying, fellas, at the library studying, we met. I see Steve Eck sitting right directly in front of me. He knows it wasn't at the library for sure. I can tell you. I can't think of a better partner. You've— you've moved across the country, followed me around the country, the world, everything to do this crazy business. Thank you so much, I can't imagine doing it with somebody else.
As Father and Marcus already said, she has a Bluejay. Sometimes when you've got the new coach in town, people go out of their way to explain things about the tradition and what goes on at the university. She's a third-generation Creighton Bluejay that knows more about it than I do. So thank you for your partnership. Thank you for your love. Greatly appreciated.
Nicky and Mary. For moving multiple times, for dealing with my moodiness. I just, I can't say thank you enough. It means the world to me. And Nicky, thank you for coming back to college and surprising me today. Awesome. Yeah, thank you.
Father Hendrickson and Marcus, thank you for partnering with coach Mac and putting this deal together. I think that none of us knew exactly how this was going to look. But to have the capacity to even think outside the box and jump into a space where people don't think, it's not the typical way people do things, it's greatly appreciated. Again, I promise you I will make you look smart.
Mac and Tre, I know you're here too. Thanks so much for this year. Thanks for even before this year, Mac. Thanks for taking a chance. I was an unproven assistant at New Mexico that came in here. Maybe played on the scout team a little bit, held a pad. And started there and went from that to just gaining more and more of your trust, your belief.
Thank you for letting me mess things up. And even when you knew what the answer is, let me mess them up so I'd learn a lesson. I just wouldn't be the coach I am. I wouldn't be in this position. I wouldn't be anywhere. I'd probably be back coaching high school basketball if you didn't take a chance on me. So, Mac, I'm forever grateful for this year. Thank you for figuring this out.
This isn't the way we wanted to do it for you. It's not the way I wanted it, not the way you did it, but to handle it with grace. and try to let me back in and try to help this program moving forward to set yourself aside the way you always do and I mean I think this press conference is a perfect example of what makes Mac, Mac. He wants it to be about everyone but Mac.
All the victories, all the things that happened. It's awesome. but that's what it's about. It's the fact that Mac doesn't make it about Mac. He makes it about Creighton. He makes it about the name on the front. In this era of transfer portal, name, image, and likeness revenue share, when the guy that's leading the group makes it about the name on the front, it's much easier for all the rest of us. So, Mac, thank you. I sincerely mean it.
A year ago, when Mac first brought this up, I took a step back to think about what this could potentially mean if it came to fruition. At that point, I wasn't entirely sure it would. I can tell you my mind immediately went to how long and how much sustained success had been had at Creighton. And it. made me think back to exactly what happened and made me take a step back. And I've said this many times in many interviews in the past. When you're coaching college basketball, it's challenging to get outside of your little bubble. Each one of us it's just— its an all-encompassing job it takes every ounce of what you have to give. And it's hard to sit back and look and see what's going around.
What's going on to think about. Long-term things. Think about what's happened in the past. Sometimes it's hard to be thankful for it because you don't have a chance to really think about it. But when he called me after that first conversation, I started thinking about. I wasn't exactly sure what it was going to be— 32, 33 years of... sustained excellence and it made me think of just how much went into this operation and how it got to where it was. I talked about the people outside the program that affected this place, but you start thinking about the sustained excellence of this place, and you think about Rass making the hire with Coach Altman. Thankfully, I was taught early on that I was no good at basketball and that I needed to figure something else out. I think about the work that went in from those guys when they were just trying to figure out a way to put this thing together.
You know, then I think about Coach Mac coming in and. You know... a lot of people in the basketball world, when he took this job, goes, 'man, you're buying that stock sky high.' Creighton can't go any higher than what it's been. Seven NCAA tournaments, I think. 327 wins— that's a hard those are hard shoes to fill, and all Mac did is come in and elevate it, the same you know, to from that standard to places that none of us in this room, me included, could think about. Deep NCAA tournament runs. BIG EAST championships, BIG EAST Tournament title games, multiple deep runs, all things thought to be really, we couldn't imagine them when Mac took this job. Then you start thinking about the consistency within the program. Guys like Coach Gordy, Len Gordy, that's been here since before me, and Patty Galas, that's been here before me. And it got me thinking about, all right, how does this all tie together? You know, and it's pretty simple, like in a world where X's and O's have changed not only for all coaches, but I think Mac reinvented himself three times in his 16 years here. Coach Altman, before that, reinvented himself a couple of different times. X's and O's changed. Personnel changed. We went from tiny little shorts to long shorts below the knees back to tiny little shorts.
Like, the style has changed. Now everything in college athletics has changed so much. So why has this place been so unbelievably consistent? And I just go back to the word culture. Right. And it's the most overused word. And I'll probably make the little edits they do with these mashups. But culture, to me, is the human beings that we have. Inside this program and out. And what's made me most proud as I've been in different parts of this, as a player, as an assistant coach and now taking over as the head coach here at Creighton is. Despite all the other changes in collegiate athletics, everything that's happened in the world. The quality of human beings, the quality of human beings sitting right here reminds me perfectly of the guys I played with. And I mean that as a compliment. Played with great guys. They went on to do great things. They went on to have great families. And the quality of the human being sitting in these first couple rows right here is exactly the same. So, I think that's a perfect segue into where it goes from here.
Right. And I think it's— I think it's quite simple. Culture is what's won. Culture is going to continue to be what wins for us at Creighton. We're going to get the right human beings here. We're going to keep the right human beings here. We're going to work our tails off. But we're not going to reinvent the wheel there. We know that elite human beings win here at Creighton. Right? That's not going to change.
The second piece of it that will remain constant is commitment to process. I don't know that I fully appreciated it until I had a chance to work first with Mac and then, when I stepped away. His ability to stay process-driven is absolutely elite.
Second, probably only to his to his ability to be completely selfless, but his ability to stay process driven. Stay on target and not deviate from methods when things don't go perfectly. His ability to inspire. To inspire confidence in student athletes that play for him. To be able to make shots and perform at a high level is all part of our processes. We'll continue that. It'll be a hyper-focus of our program. We'll continue to challenge our players to stay on those processes, but we will stay on that target.
Let It Fly. I think it's on the court anywhere. You can see it over there. It's behind Doug on the window shade over there. But Let It Fly has been a... huge part of why we've been able to develop our brand as one of the premier offenses in college basketball. Again, there's no reason to break. What's to fix? What's not broken? We will continue to Let It Fly.
We'll continue to recruit talented student athletes that share the ball, that are unselfish. and that want to play at that tempo. That's not going to change. Probably the thing that we have to get back right now and this has been something that's been also there through Mac's entire run, and I can tell you it was there when Coach Altman was in charge.
You know, this group this year went through so many things as a group. So many ups, so many downs. That we lost our joy a little bit, this group, at times. We'll get back to that. You know, that's a huge part of what's made Mac successful. When I got my job at my first opportunity at High Point. I made a note on day one to make sure that there was joy involved in the program every day. Mac would remind me of it. Usually, he'd take kind of a backhand shot at me when he didn't think I had enough joy in my life and I was a little hyper-obsessed with some of the details. But he reminded me of that joy. I took that with me. I'm fully committed to bringing that back. So, I'm super excited about that.
Defensively, we'll stay what we do. We're going to play man-to-man defense. Maybe get a little bit more disruptive. I'd like to take full credit for that, but that's something that Coach Mac and I've been talking about here for weeks. I think we're going to move that direction. But I think you're going to see things that are…you're going to see a defense that gets maybe slightly more disruptive. More importantly than all these X and O's, though, is back to that character piece. We're going to have the right people here. We're going to have people in these first two rows that take the floor for us. That everyone can be excited about. That goes to former players. We want this to be your program. We've got several alums on our staff right now. It means a lot to us.
To our alumni, to our supporters, we need you. Our advantage is the 17,000 people that show up to our games. That's why these guys are sitting here. They want to play in front of that crowd at CHI. And again, we weren't great last year. We didn't play with a ton of joy. But we're going to get back to that. We're going to get back to what's made us so good here over the last couple of decades. To the city of Omaha, especially a few of you that have put your blue shirts down and maybe put a red one on for what's going on, we're going to win you back.
We're going to get you back. Don't let me get a snapshot of you in a red shirt, though. I'm keeping receipts, anybody I see. We obviously we want you back. We want the city of Omaha. We want the city of Omaha for Creighton to be the city of Omaha's team. We anticipate to. to earn everyone's trust. continue to fill the arena and make it a very disruptive and difficult place to play. To everyone here, I just want you to know, as I speak to the players here in closing, really simply, fellas, we are going to... We're going to work. We're going to do it together. We're going to have fun doing it. We're going to continue so much of what's made this program great. But. I'm going to tell you; we are going to live up to the standard. And I make that promise to everyone here, staff, players, everyone that came out today. I appreciate you being here. We will live up to the standard. Thank you.
ROB ANDERSON: All right, at this time, we'll do about 10 minutes of questions with the media. If you have a question, just raise your hand. Glen Sisk or I will bring a microphone to you, but we'll get started with Jon Walker from the Omaha World-Herald.
JON WALKER, Omaha World-Herald: Al, congrats. You knew that this day was coming since you returned last summer, but what does it feel like to finally, officially be the head coach at Creighton University?
ALAN HUSS: (Inaudible)…I fear it in my life more than anyone, Coach Altman. That I'd be tasked with trying to carry that tradition on. I would have laughed. I would have said, 'There's no way.' Probably ignored you and gone on my business. I don't know that I've necessarily wrapped my mind completely around just how fortunate I am to be back here, to be back at home. It just truly hasn't set in yet. Do you want to raise your hand if you've got a question?
KMTV REPORTER: Coach, congrats. You're obviously carrying a pretty heavy legacy, but how do you continue the success here at Creighton while making the program your own?
ALAN HUSS: Yeah, I think the simple answer to that is when I took the job at High Point and got my opportunity, to the best of my ability, I went down to High Point, North Carolina, and tried to replicate every facet of this program that we could possibly copy. We did that because it's been successful. We did that because we feel like this is a winning formula. And we're going to stay committed to those same processes. Like I said, maybe tweak the defense just a little bit. Again, as much as I'd like to take credit for that, that's something that Coach Mac and I have been talking about. So if it works, 100% my idea, and if it doesn't, Mac's.
ROB ANDERSON: All right, who else has a question? Go back to Jon.
JON WALKER, Omaha World-Herald: Marcus, why was it important for you to let Mac pick his successor, and why was Huss the right guy for you to ultimately sign off on?
MARCUS BLOSSOM: You know, first off, Mac's a fantastic coach. So, for me and for Father to not take his insight would just not be smart. So we just had conversations about where we wanted the program to go, who we thought would take the program to the heights we wanted it to take. And Al's name kept rising to the top. I was fortunate for two years, actually, to have an office right across the hallway from Al. So I saw him work and he was one of the hardest workers I've ever seen. Any business, any profession. So I knew from that standpoint that this guy is going to work his tail off to make sure this program is at the level that it needs to be. So I saw with my own eyes, Father and I, you know, we talked to Mac and consulted who, you know, who we who we think is a brilliant basketball mind. And that's how the decision came to fruition.
JIMMIE ALLEN, 1620 The Zone: Coach, congratulations. Obviously, you've talked about the unique situation that you're in. There's obviously more basketball to be played this season. What does your role look like in Vegas, and does it change at all?
ALAN HUSS: I think I have the same answer. If this stuff works, it's my idea, and if it doesn't, it's... It's Mac's. We'll continue the same way. I'll call a few plays, Mitch and I. Work on the offensive side of the basketball will work together same way we always have.
MIKE PATTERSON, Omaha World-Herald: Coach, you talked about the team playing with joy moving forward. How can you make sure that the players are going to be able to follow through on that?
ALAN HUSS: I think, like anything, it's habits. I think I mentioned this group went through a lot this season, ups and downs mentally. I've heard Mac say this, but I'm going to borrow it. I don't know that I've ever been associated with a team that's stayed together off the floor through so many ups and downs quite like this team has. From injuries on the floor and all the things that happened.
Off the floor, you know, this group's been up, it's been down, it's been around. And they've stayed together. They've been really good friends for each other. I have no doubts that they'll take away lasting friendships. As far as carrying that onto the court. You know, I think we've just, it's something we've got to practice. For whatever reason, this season, you know, we fell out of a little bit of practice, probably mostly due to some injuries. But we'll get back to the same processes that have allowed us to do it for the last couple decades.
JACOB PADILLA, Hurrdat Sports: Coach, obviously the landscape has changed dramatically over the last few years. What have you learned from your two years as a head coach and now your one year back here as an assistant for things that you're going to have to take forward to make Creighton successful into the future?
ALAN HUSS: I think the first time you get a head coaching job, The first thing you do is appreciate the guy that was sitting to your right or your left, depending on where your seat on the bench is, at a much greater level. You understand the difficult decisions that have to be made. You know, I don't know that that's necessarily new in college basketball. I think that's always been the case. But. especially with all the new external factors that are affecting our sport and NCAA athletics as a whole. You know, there's just— there's a lot of moving parts— and being able to manage all that, as an assistant coach, it's easy to sit there and say, 'Let's go get them, rock them, sock them.' You know, a tough guy, but when you have to— when you have to— actually have to manage the relationships and deal with all these moving parts and really think two moves ahead to what's going to happen if we don't manage or massage this relationship or whatever's going on here? There's just a lot of nuance involved. And I think, as an assistant, you sit there and you try to figure out. You know, what you would do in the situation if given the opportunity. You try to support your boss when they ask for it. You try to give your opinion when they ask for it, but then... you know, when you're the head coach, you just fully appreciate all the things that go through. Or go into those decisions that have to be made. And there's a handful every day that are impactful to the direction of the program.
ROB ANDERSON: We've got time for about two more. We'll go back to John.
JOHN BISHOP, 1620 The Zone: Coach Huss, congratulations. Obviously, you credit Coach Mac, probably Coach Altman. I'm curious who some of the other influences in your basketball life have brought you to this moment.
ALAN HUSS: I mean, first and foremost, my dad. He started off before he got out of the game, he was a college basketball coach and a college basketball player. From time to time was a little bit hard on me. He looks soft right now. He didn't look like that way when he was out in the driveway with me for a lot of years. You know, so I start with that. I mean, it was for the first 18 years of my life. Every day we worked at this game together. After that, I had a really interesting journey.
Since I was a high school coach for so long, I was only an assistant coach for a couple years at the high school level. But Jeremy Moore, who gave me my first opportunity to be an assistant coach in high school, I'm still in touch with him to this day. He was... you know, he was a huge... huge part of just helping to empower me and encourage me to be a basketball coach. And I think probably the first guy that told me I could do it a little bit, that I was okay at it. Then I had just a whole series of different assistant coaches over the years, many of which were more experienced than I was. And so I had this odd situation where I was learning from my assistants a lot more than I was probably teaching them for most of my career. So many assistants that I probably couldn't name them all. You know, I think back just to, you know, we talked about Coach Altman, but Greg Grensing. I mean, still, I get a text after almost every game I play. I was a bad player for him 25 years ago but the guy still watches every game and gosh, he's got to be near or top of the list for certain as well.
ROB ANDERSON: All right, we'll do one final question.
JON WALKER, Omaha World-Herald: Hey, Al, what do you think 1997 Alan Huss would tell the person sitting where you are today?
ALAN HUSS: I know what this Alan Huss would tell the 1997 version. Does that work? I think the 97 version would probably say. We got lucky. I think that's probably the only thing that that guy could say. Holy cow, like how fortunate, how blessed. I can't even come up with words. I would have never imagined this. I didn't set out for this. You know, it's just, it's truly amazing.
ROB ANDERSON: All right, thank you. That'll conclude today's press conference. We'll do a couple minutes of photos up front with Al and his family and others. Thank you again for attending.
A 2002 Creighton graduate, Huss becomes the first alum to take the reins of the men's basketball program since Tom Apke patrolled the Bluejay sideline from 1974-81.
"I am incredibly honored and humbled to be named the head men's basketball coach at Creighton University," said Huss. "This University has meant so much to me as a former player, as an alum and through the seven years I've spent serving this program. Creighton helped shape who I am, and the opportunity to now lead this program is something I do not take lightly.
"I want to sincerely thank Father Hendrickson and Marcus Blossom for their trust and belief in me. I also want to express my deep gratitude to Coach Greg McDermott, who elevated this program to national prominence and built a culture of consistency and excellence that is respected across the country. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn under his leadership and for the belief he has shown in me throughout this transition.
"Following coaches like Greg McDermott and Dana Altman is both a privilege and a responsibility. They established the standard here with sustained success, NCAA Tournament appearances, and a program built on toughness, discipline and class. We will work relentlessly every day to uphold and build on that standard in how we recruit, develop, prepare and compete.
"To our players, alumni, and supporters, we will pour everything we have into representing Creighton the right way. This is home, and I cannot wait to get to work."
With Coach McDermott's retirement, Creighton University is implementing the innovative coaching transition plan that was announced in April 2025 by Creighton President the Rev. Daniel S. Hendrickson, SJ, PhD., and McCormick Endowed Athletic Director Marcus Blossom, with collaborative insight from McDermott.
"I join Creighton men's basketball fans and supporters everywhere in thanking Coach McDermott for his 16 years as head coach," said Hendrickson. "He has guided our teams to thrilling wins and numerous NCAA Tournament appearances. Beyond the basketball court, he has helped student-athletes develop into leaders and galvanized our community with events like the Creighton vs. Cancer Pink Out game. While we will miss Coach McDermott's leadership and presence on the sidelines, I am confident Coach Huss will continue to build upon our culture of excellence and success."
"We are excited to welcome Coach Huss as our next head coach," said Blossom. "He brings exceptional leadership, strategic vision, and deep passion for Creighton to this position. And we are all confident that he will build on a very successful foundation as we pursue our goal to be the best basketball program in the BIG EAST."
Huss brings unparalleled leadership and strategic vision, valuable recruiting know-how, and a deep connection to the Bluejays basketball program to the position.
Huss compiled a head coaching record of 56-15 during his two years at High Point University from 2023-25, highlighting his ability to build and lead teams to success. High Point achieved historic milestones, including the program's first NCAA Tournament appearance in Division I history and a then-program-record 29 Division I wins during the 2024-2025 season, showcasing his capacity to elevate a program to new heights. Huss was named the Big South Conference Coach of the Year in 2023-24 and 2024-25.
In seven seasons assistant coach under McDermott (2017-23, 2025-26), Huss has helped CU to 149 victories, eight wins in four NCAA Tournament appearances and its first BIG EAST title in 2019-20. He has worked closely with Creighton's big men, the Bluejay offense and recruiting.
Ryan Kalkbrenner was named BIG EAST Defensive Player of the Year in both 2022 and 2023 and eventually was a Second Round pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. Huss also aided in the recruitment of the nation's No. 7 class entering 2021-22 and served as interim head coach for Creighton three times, including wins against Butler on March 6, 2021 and against DePaul on Jan. 22, 2022.
In 2019-20, Huss worked with Christian Bishop as he blossomed into a key starter on Creighton's BIG EAST champion squad. Bishop compiled back-to-back double-doubles in the first two games of the 2021 NCAA Tournament to help the Bluejays reach their first Sweet 16 since 1974. He also helped tutor Kalkbrenner, who went from an unheralded recruit to a key member of the USA Team that won the gold medal at the FIBA U19 World Cup, and a current player for the NBA's Charlotte Hornets.
In 2018-19, Huss helped Martin Krampelj turn into one of the top post players in the BIG EAST, as he ranked in the top-10 in scoring, blocks, rebounding and steals during league play.
As an assistant in three seasons at New Mexico, Huss helped guide the Lobos to 49 victories. New Mexico went 33-13 at The Pit during that time, and the Lobos finished 5-1 in six meetings against in-state rival New Mexico State.
Huss went to New Mexico after spending four seasons at the helm of the prep program at La Lumiere School in La Porte, Ind., where he amassed an impressive 102-19 record for a team that was regularly ranked as one of the top high school programs in the nation.
His record included a perfect 62-0 home record at Marsch Gymnasium. Huss coached more than three dozen Division I products at the high school level, including former NBA guard Darington Hobson.
Prior to his time at La Lumiere, Huss was the head coach at Culver Military Academy in Culver, Ind., where he set the school record for wins in each of his final two seasons with the Eagles, as well as Decatur Christian.
Huss was a four-year member of the Creighton men's basketball team from 1997-2001, where he played under head coach Dana Altman and alongside future NBA sharpshooter Kyle Korver. During his collegiate career with the Bluejays, Huss was part of three NCAA Tournament teams (1999, 2000, 2001), two Missouri Valley Conference Tournament titles (1999, 2000) and one MVC regular-season title (2001). He played in 94 games with the Bluejays, including 39 starts.
The 6-foot-9-inch Huss was a prep standout at North Kansas City High School. He averaged 26 points and 12 rebounds per game for the Hornets en route to All-Kansas City metro honors as a senior. Following his final season at North Kansas City High, he was selected to the Greater Kansas City Basketball Coaches Association and Missouri-Kansas All-Star games.
Huss earned his Bachelor's degree from Creighton in Business Administration in 2002. He and his wife Katie (also a 2002 Creighton alum) have two daughters, Nicky and Mary. Nicky plays basketball at Truman State.
The Alan Huss File
Personal
• Wife - Katie
• Children - Nicky and Mary
Collegiate Coaching Experience
• Creighton - Associate Head Coach, 2025-Present
• High Point - Head Coach, 2023-25
• Creighton - Assistant Coach, 2017-23
• New Mexico - Assistant Coach, 2014-17
Collegiate Coaching Honors
High Point University
• 2023-24 - Big South Coach of the Year
• 2024-25 - Big South Coach of the Year
Previous Coaching Experience
• La Lumiere School - Head Coach, 2010-14
• Culver Military Academy - Head Coach, 2007-10
• Decatur Christian - Head Coach, 2006-07
• Decatur Eisenhower - Assistant Coach, 2003-05
Collegiate Playing Experience
• Creighton - Center, 1997-2001
College Education
• Creighton - B.S.B.A., management information systems, 2002
Creighton Introduces Alan Huss as Men's Basketball Head Coach
10:00 a.m. • March 25, 2026 • McDermott Center
ROB ANDERSON: It's my pleasure to introduce the 25th President of Creighton University. Reverend Daniel S. Hendrickson of the Society of Jesus.
REV. DANIEL S. HENDRICKSON, SJ, PhD: Thank you. Thank you very much. Thank you, Rob, and welcome to everyone. We're all special guests, but I do want to recognize a few people that are joining us today. We have a number of people from the Creighton Board of Trustees, including the chair of the board, Diane Duren. Scott Heider is here and Cindy, Rob Reed is here and Bob Greenwood and Sherry. So thank you for our governance joining us and university leadership, Jan Madsen and others from around the university, and, including Marcus Blossom, obviously, and you'll hear from him in just a minute.
Today marks an important moment for Creighton University men's basketball. As we recognize the remarkable legacy of Greg McDermott and we look ahead to the next era of our program with Alan Huss. Across 16 seasons. Greg built one of the strongest and most steady cultures in college basketball. He's the winningest coach in the history of Creighton men's basketball, and he led our program to multiple Sweet 16 competitions and our first Elite Eight in the modern era of the NCAA Tournament.
His teams competed at the highest level nationally while representing this university with great integrity and clear determination. Just as important, Greg set a tone that extended far beyond the court. He emphasized academics, character, and leadership in the lives of our student-athletes.
He helped guide the successful transition into the BIG EAST Conference. And through the Creighton vs. Cancer Pinkout, he inspired a tradition that has raised more than $1 million to support cancer patients and cancer families. Creighton men's basketball stands where it does today because of Greg McDermott. His tenure has elevated our program, and he has increased the visibility and the awareness of our Jesuit Catholic mission here at Creighton University. We're grateful, too, that Greg's family has been part of the journey. We welcome Teresa with us today. Greg is here, obviously, as well as walking with their children these past years, Nick and Doug and Sydney.
We move forward from a position of clear strength, real strength. Last spring, with Greg's partnership, we named Alan Huss as head coach in waiting to ensure a purposeful and a seamless transition for our student athletes, our recruits, and our fans when this moment arrived.
Alan is a Creighton Bluejay in every sense of the word. He's an alumnus. He's a former player. He married a Bluejay. And in recent years, he helped build the culture that defines the program today. He's ready to lead. And I'm confident that he will guide Creighton Basketball into the next era with energy. With great expertise and with a clear commitment for success. To be sure, the future of Creighton men's basketball is bright. Here on campus, in this great city around us and across our expansive national network of fans and supporters, we are ready to rally behind our Bluejays in this next exciting chapter.
I would be remiss not to recognize the generosity of so many of you who are here today. Your friendship means the world to us. It can't be said enough. Your relationship with Creighton, with an athletic program, with men's basketball. Your resources, you keep us competitive, and you keep us current. As members of Champions Circle, as contributors of time and talent, as supporters of scholarship dollars. As part of our awesome Fly Together projects and so much more. You've got my thanks, my tremendous gratitude.
Our men's basketball program is in very good hands, both on the court and off. McCormick Endowed Athletic Director Marcus Blossom has been instrumental throughout this process, and I'm especially grateful for his partnership and for his vision. And at this point, I turn the program over to Marcus. And thank you all for being here. Let's welcome Marcus.
MARCUS BLOSSOM: I'm a little taller than Father, so I'm going to adjust the mic a little bit. Good morning and welcome to the McDermott Center. As Father mentioned, today is a special day for Creighton men's basketball as we proudly introduce the 17th head coach in our program's history, Alan Huss.
I'd like to begin by thanking Father Hendrickson and our Board of Trustees for their continued support of our men's basketball program. I also want to thank our athletic department staff. Many are in the room for their tireless efforts throughout both the men's and women's basketball seasons. To our fans and donors, thank you. Your passion. and commitment are vital to our success, and we are deeply grateful for your unwavering support. So our men's basketball student-athletes sitting right up front here, thank you for your hard work. Your dedication and for representing Creighton with both integrity on and off the court. You truly embody what this program stands for. Let's give our men's basketball team a round of applause.
Before we hear from Coach Huss, I'd like to recognize his family, his wife, Katie, the daughters, Mary and Nikki, and Alan's mom and dad, Melinda and Craig. Please welcome, once again, I know he's been here for a year, but welcome the entire Huss family back to Creighton.
As Father mentioned, Alan Huss returns to Creighton. For many meaningful reasons, he and his wife are proud alumni. And Alan is a former Bluejays student-athlete. He actually carried Kyle Korver, Ryan Sears, and the rest of his teammates to multiple NCAA tournaments. Multiple. Omaha is not just a place where he worked. It's a place he calls home. While those connections matter, what makes this opportunity truly special is the foundation that has been built here.
Coach Greg McDermott made it clear that he wanted today to be all about Alan. But it's important to acknowledge and thank Greg for the incredible job he has done. He leaves the program in a position of national prominence and sustained success. And we are deeply appreciative of his leadership.
Coach Huss brings with him a remarkable combination of experience, energy, and vision. He is a tireless worker. A relentless recruiter and a passionate leader who is deeply committed to developing young men both as basketball players and as people. His coaching journey includes a decade of success at the high school level, where he built winning programs and shaped the lives of countless student-athletes. He then spent 10 years coaching at the Division I level as an assistant coach, including seven impactful seasons at Creighton. During that time, he played a pivotal role in 149 victories. multiple NCAA tournament appearances, and a BIG EAST championship. Alan, as you know, also has head coaching experience. As a head coach at High Point, Alan demonstrated exceptional leadership, guiding the program there to new heights.
He earned back-to-back Big South Coach of the Year honors and led the team to its first Division I NCAA Tournament appearance, along with a record-setting 29 victories. But what stands out most about Alan is his commitment to the process of winning. He will invest everything he has into this program. into competing at the highest level in the BIG EAST. Into developing our student-athletes and into representing Creighton University and the Omaha community with pride and integrity.
The future of Creighton men's basketball is incredibly bright. Under his leadership. And I'm excited for what lies ahead. Please join me in welcoming our new coach, Alan Huss.
ALAN HUSS: I heard one of the players say that the jersey looked a little small. It's probably accurate. When you move into one of these situations, before you get started with the thank you's and all the other things that come along with new opportunities. It's impossible not to sit and reflect just a little bit. On how fortunate I am to be where I am right now. And how fortunate we are as a family to be where we are right now. I promise you. I promise you that this is not going to be taken lightly by me. I promise you that this means a lot to me before I get overly sentimental.
Before I get into my thank you's. I want to start with something I thought was a little funny.
I don't know if Rass is here, if Bruce Rasmussen's here. He told a story. I was thinking a little bit about what to say today. Thinking even more about how athletics in today's day and age fits into universities and just general picture things that, as a college basketball coach, you don't get to think about a lot. It led me back to... Someone that a lot of people in this room knew or maybe the numbers are dwindling these days, but several you knew—Doc Bevilacqua. My journey at Creighton started in fall of 97. I came up here, my parents, this is hard for you guys to believe, my parents had never seen the place. Didn't come on an official visit with me. I drove up here on my own, moved myself in.
They hadn't been to the place yet, and I got incredibly sick with pneumonia. My freshman year, right before basketball practice started, literally the week before, and was in the hospital, got out of the hospital. Knew Doc a little bit from my recruiting visit. Met him when we were doing opening physicals, I think, at the beginning of the year. Didn't know him all that well, but I think back to him taking me into his home. And caring for me like his own son. And I think back to what this place is about. What it means to me, what it means to so many people in this room. And I think back to Doc. I think about his selfless attitude towards not only the people here at Creighton, but also his clinic in South Omaha.
And I think what's more: What's a better example or who's a better example of how someone at Creighton should behave, how someone at Creighton should act, how somebody that really lives their Ignatian values. How they live daily, I think back to Doc.
That led me to the funny part of this. I started thinking about Rass' story. Doc used to sit on the end of the bench with... Red McManus, longtime coach here. Red was somewhat vocal. He'd sit on the end of the bench with Father Hart. Red and Doc, and it doesn't sound like that'd be a group that would get into officials. They would. They would sometimes get into the players on the floor, one of which was me when I didn't live up to standards.
Rass tells this story better than I do, but... It was going into my senior year, Red McManus came up to Rass and said, 'Huss is a senior, right?' And Rass was like, 'Yeah, he's a senior.' He was like, 'Why do you ask?' and without hesitation. Red looked right at him and said, 'I just wanted to make sure I never have to watch him play again after this year.' That group, that group, showed us so much love, that trio of human beings. It was really the first time in my life, around the game of basketball, that I met people outside of just immediate coaching staff. Through the game of basketball, that impacted my life.
Those three guys, I think about them I think about what they meant to this University and I hope that as we move forward in this process You know, you'll get a little bit of that. All the student-athletes here will get a little bit of that from other people on this campus. I aim to be one of those people.
To start with, I'd like to do a few thank you's here. My parents, obviously. Marcus and Father have already beat me to the punch on some of these thank you's, but I'm going to reiterate them. The thank you's are so important to me.
Mom, Dad, thanks for being here. I know it wasn't easy for you to deal with me for a lot of years— probably not all that easy to be here, but it means a lot.
I appreciate it every step of the way. I took a very odd course into coaching college basketball when I was a high school basketball coach. When this was a hobby that was costing me money, My parents were there every step of the way. I've enjoyed it with you. Thank you for that so much.
Katie, obviously, I met you here. At the library studying, fellas, at the library studying, we met. I see Steve Eck sitting right directly in front of me. He knows it wasn't at the library for sure. I can tell you. I can't think of a better partner. You've— you've moved across the country, followed me around the country, the world, everything to do this crazy business. Thank you so much, I can't imagine doing it with somebody else.
As Father and Marcus already said, she has a Bluejay. Sometimes when you've got the new coach in town, people go out of their way to explain things about the tradition and what goes on at the university. She's a third-generation Creighton Bluejay that knows more about it than I do. So thank you for your partnership. Thank you for your love. Greatly appreciated.
Nicky and Mary. For moving multiple times, for dealing with my moodiness. I just, I can't say thank you enough. It means the world to me. And Nicky, thank you for coming back to college and surprising me today. Awesome. Yeah, thank you.
Father Hendrickson and Marcus, thank you for partnering with coach Mac and putting this deal together. I think that none of us knew exactly how this was going to look. But to have the capacity to even think outside the box and jump into a space where people don't think, it's not the typical way people do things, it's greatly appreciated. Again, I promise you I will make you look smart.
Mac and Tre, I know you're here too. Thanks so much for this year. Thanks for even before this year, Mac. Thanks for taking a chance. I was an unproven assistant at New Mexico that came in here. Maybe played on the scout team a little bit, held a pad. And started there and went from that to just gaining more and more of your trust, your belief.
Thank you for letting me mess things up. And even when you knew what the answer is, let me mess them up so I'd learn a lesson. I just wouldn't be the coach I am. I wouldn't be in this position. I wouldn't be anywhere. I'd probably be back coaching high school basketball if you didn't take a chance on me. So, Mac, I'm forever grateful for this year. Thank you for figuring this out.
This isn't the way we wanted to do it for you. It's not the way I wanted it, not the way you did it, but to handle it with grace. and try to let me back in and try to help this program moving forward to set yourself aside the way you always do and I mean I think this press conference is a perfect example of what makes Mac, Mac. He wants it to be about everyone but Mac.
All the victories, all the things that happened. It's awesome. but that's what it's about. It's the fact that Mac doesn't make it about Mac. He makes it about Creighton. He makes it about the name on the front. In this era of transfer portal, name, image, and likeness revenue share, when the guy that's leading the group makes it about the name on the front, it's much easier for all the rest of us. So, Mac, thank you. I sincerely mean it.
A year ago, when Mac first brought this up, I took a step back to think about what this could potentially mean if it came to fruition. At that point, I wasn't entirely sure it would. I can tell you my mind immediately went to how long and how much sustained success had been had at Creighton. And it. made me think back to exactly what happened and made me take a step back. And I've said this many times in many interviews in the past. When you're coaching college basketball, it's challenging to get outside of your little bubble. Each one of us it's just— its an all-encompassing job it takes every ounce of what you have to give. And it's hard to sit back and look and see what's going around.
What's going on to think about. Long-term things. Think about what's happened in the past. Sometimes it's hard to be thankful for it because you don't have a chance to really think about it. But when he called me after that first conversation, I started thinking about. I wasn't exactly sure what it was going to be— 32, 33 years of... sustained excellence and it made me think of just how much went into this operation and how it got to where it was. I talked about the people outside the program that affected this place, but you start thinking about the sustained excellence of this place, and you think about Rass making the hire with Coach Altman. Thankfully, I was taught early on that I was no good at basketball and that I needed to figure something else out. I think about the work that went in from those guys when they were just trying to figure out a way to put this thing together.
You know, then I think about Coach Mac coming in and. You know... a lot of people in the basketball world, when he took this job, goes, 'man, you're buying that stock sky high.' Creighton can't go any higher than what it's been. Seven NCAA tournaments, I think. 327 wins— that's a hard those are hard shoes to fill, and all Mac did is come in and elevate it, the same you know, to from that standard to places that none of us in this room, me included, could think about. Deep NCAA tournament runs. BIG EAST championships, BIG EAST Tournament title games, multiple deep runs, all things thought to be really, we couldn't imagine them when Mac took this job. Then you start thinking about the consistency within the program. Guys like Coach Gordy, Len Gordy, that's been here since before me, and Patty Galas, that's been here before me. And it got me thinking about, all right, how does this all tie together? You know, and it's pretty simple, like in a world where X's and O's have changed not only for all coaches, but I think Mac reinvented himself three times in his 16 years here. Coach Altman, before that, reinvented himself a couple of different times. X's and O's changed. Personnel changed. We went from tiny little shorts to long shorts below the knees back to tiny little shorts.
Like, the style has changed. Now everything in college athletics has changed so much. So why has this place been so unbelievably consistent? And I just go back to the word culture. Right. And it's the most overused word. And I'll probably make the little edits they do with these mashups. But culture, to me, is the human beings that we have. Inside this program and out. And what's made me most proud as I've been in different parts of this, as a player, as an assistant coach and now taking over as the head coach here at Creighton is. Despite all the other changes in collegiate athletics, everything that's happened in the world. The quality of human beings, the quality of human beings sitting right here reminds me perfectly of the guys I played with. And I mean that as a compliment. Played with great guys. They went on to do great things. They went on to have great families. And the quality of the human being sitting in these first couple rows right here is exactly the same. So, I think that's a perfect segue into where it goes from here.
Right. And I think it's— I think it's quite simple. Culture is what's won. Culture is going to continue to be what wins for us at Creighton. We're going to get the right human beings here. We're going to keep the right human beings here. We're going to work our tails off. But we're not going to reinvent the wheel there. We know that elite human beings win here at Creighton. Right? That's not going to change.
The second piece of it that will remain constant is commitment to process. I don't know that I fully appreciated it until I had a chance to work first with Mac and then, when I stepped away. His ability to stay process-driven is absolutely elite.
Second, probably only to his to his ability to be completely selfless, but his ability to stay process driven. Stay on target and not deviate from methods when things don't go perfectly. His ability to inspire. To inspire confidence in student athletes that play for him. To be able to make shots and perform at a high level is all part of our processes. We'll continue that. It'll be a hyper-focus of our program. We'll continue to challenge our players to stay on those processes, but we will stay on that target.
Let It Fly. I think it's on the court anywhere. You can see it over there. It's behind Doug on the window shade over there. But Let It Fly has been a... huge part of why we've been able to develop our brand as one of the premier offenses in college basketball. Again, there's no reason to break. What's to fix? What's not broken? We will continue to Let It Fly.
We'll continue to recruit talented student athletes that share the ball, that are unselfish. and that want to play at that tempo. That's not going to change. Probably the thing that we have to get back right now and this has been something that's been also there through Mac's entire run, and I can tell you it was there when Coach Altman was in charge.
You know, this group this year went through so many things as a group. So many ups, so many downs. That we lost our joy a little bit, this group, at times. We'll get back to that. You know, that's a huge part of what's made Mac successful. When I got my job at my first opportunity at High Point. I made a note on day one to make sure that there was joy involved in the program every day. Mac would remind me of it. Usually, he'd take kind of a backhand shot at me when he didn't think I had enough joy in my life and I was a little hyper-obsessed with some of the details. But he reminded me of that joy. I took that with me. I'm fully committed to bringing that back. So, I'm super excited about that.
Defensively, we'll stay what we do. We're going to play man-to-man defense. Maybe get a little bit more disruptive. I'd like to take full credit for that, but that's something that Coach Mac and I've been talking about here for weeks. I think we're going to move that direction. But I think you're going to see things that are…you're going to see a defense that gets maybe slightly more disruptive. More importantly than all these X and O's, though, is back to that character piece. We're going to have the right people here. We're going to have people in these first two rows that take the floor for us. That everyone can be excited about. That goes to former players. We want this to be your program. We've got several alums on our staff right now. It means a lot to us.
To our alumni, to our supporters, we need you. Our advantage is the 17,000 people that show up to our games. That's why these guys are sitting here. They want to play in front of that crowd at CHI. And again, we weren't great last year. We didn't play with a ton of joy. But we're going to get back to that. We're going to get back to what's made us so good here over the last couple of decades. To the city of Omaha, especially a few of you that have put your blue shirts down and maybe put a red one on for what's going on, we're going to win you back.
We're going to get you back. Don't let me get a snapshot of you in a red shirt, though. I'm keeping receipts, anybody I see. We obviously we want you back. We want the city of Omaha. We want the city of Omaha for Creighton to be the city of Omaha's team. We anticipate to. to earn everyone's trust. continue to fill the arena and make it a very disruptive and difficult place to play. To everyone here, I just want you to know, as I speak to the players here in closing, really simply, fellas, we are going to... We're going to work. We're going to do it together. We're going to have fun doing it. We're going to continue so much of what's made this program great. But. I'm going to tell you; we are going to live up to the standard. And I make that promise to everyone here, staff, players, everyone that came out today. I appreciate you being here. We will live up to the standard. Thank you.
ROB ANDERSON: All right, at this time, we'll do about 10 minutes of questions with the media. If you have a question, just raise your hand. Glen Sisk or I will bring a microphone to you, but we'll get started with Jon Walker from the Omaha World-Herald.
JON WALKER, Omaha World-Herald: Al, congrats. You knew that this day was coming since you returned last summer, but what does it feel like to finally, officially be the head coach at Creighton University?
ALAN HUSS: (Inaudible)…I fear it in my life more than anyone, Coach Altman. That I'd be tasked with trying to carry that tradition on. I would have laughed. I would have said, 'There's no way.' Probably ignored you and gone on my business. I don't know that I've necessarily wrapped my mind completely around just how fortunate I am to be back here, to be back at home. It just truly hasn't set in yet. Do you want to raise your hand if you've got a question?
KMTV REPORTER: Coach, congrats. You're obviously carrying a pretty heavy legacy, but how do you continue the success here at Creighton while making the program your own?
ALAN HUSS: Yeah, I think the simple answer to that is when I took the job at High Point and got my opportunity, to the best of my ability, I went down to High Point, North Carolina, and tried to replicate every facet of this program that we could possibly copy. We did that because it's been successful. We did that because we feel like this is a winning formula. And we're going to stay committed to those same processes. Like I said, maybe tweak the defense just a little bit. Again, as much as I'd like to take credit for that, that's something that Coach Mac and I have been talking about. So if it works, 100% my idea, and if it doesn't, Mac's.
ROB ANDERSON: All right, who else has a question? Go back to Jon.
JON WALKER, Omaha World-Herald: Marcus, why was it important for you to let Mac pick his successor, and why was Huss the right guy for you to ultimately sign off on?
MARCUS BLOSSOM: You know, first off, Mac's a fantastic coach. So, for me and for Father to not take his insight would just not be smart. So we just had conversations about where we wanted the program to go, who we thought would take the program to the heights we wanted it to take. And Al's name kept rising to the top. I was fortunate for two years, actually, to have an office right across the hallway from Al. So I saw him work and he was one of the hardest workers I've ever seen. Any business, any profession. So I knew from that standpoint that this guy is going to work his tail off to make sure this program is at the level that it needs to be. So I saw with my own eyes, Father and I, you know, we talked to Mac and consulted who, you know, who we who we think is a brilliant basketball mind. And that's how the decision came to fruition.
JIMMIE ALLEN, 1620 The Zone: Coach, congratulations. Obviously, you've talked about the unique situation that you're in. There's obviously more basketball to be played this season. What does your role look like in Vegas, and does it change at all?
ALAN HUSS: I think I have the same answer. If this stuff works, it's my idea, and if it doesn't, it's... It's Mac's. We'll continue the same way. I'll call a few plays, Mitch and I. Work on the offensive side of the basketball will work together same way we always have.
MIKE PATTERSON, Omaha World-Herald: Coach, you talked about the team playing with joy moving forward. How can you make sure that the players are going to be able to follow through on that?
ALAN HUSS: I think, like anything, it's habits. I think I mentioned this group went through a lot this season, ups and downs mentally. I've heard Mac say this, but I'm going to borrow it. I don't know that I've ever been associated with a team that's stayed together off the floor through so many ups and downs quite like this team has. From injuries on the floor and all the things that happened.
Off the floor, you know, this group's been up, it's been down, it's been around. And they've stayed together. They've been really good friends for each other. I have no doubts that they'll take away lasting friendships. As far as carrying that onto the court. You know, I think we've just, it's something we've got to practice. For whatever reason, this season, you know, we fell out of a little bit of practice, probably mostly due to some injuries. But we'll get back to the same processes that have allowed us to do it for the last couple decades.
JACOB PADILLA, Hurrdat Sports: Coach, obviously the landscape has changed dramatically over the last few years. What have you learned from your two years as a head coach and now your one year back here as an assistant for things that you're going to have to take forward to make Creighton successful into the future?
ALAN HUSS: I think the first time you get a head coaching job, The first thing you do is appreciate the guy that was sitting to your right or your left, depending on where your seat on the bench is, at a much greater level. You understand the difficult decisions that have to be made. You know, I don't know that that's necessarily new in college basketball. I think that's always been the case. But. especially with all the new external factors that are affecting our sport and NCAA athletics as a whole. You know, there's just— there's a lot of moving parts— and being able to manage all that, as an assistant coach, it's easy to sit there and say, 'Let's go get them, rock them, sock them.' You know, a tough guy, but when you have to— when you have to— actually have to manage the relationships and deal with all these moving parts and really think two moves ahead to what's going to happen if we don't manage or massage this relationship or whatever's going on here? There's just a lot of nuance involved. And I think, as an assistant, you sit there and you try to figure out. You know, what you would do in the situation if given the opportunity. You try to support your boss when they ask for it. You try to give your opinion when they ask for it, but then... you know, when you're the head coach, you just fully appreciate all the things that go through. Or go into those decisions that have to be made. And there's a handful every day that are impactful to the direction of the program.
ROB ANDERSON: We've got time for about two more. We'll go back to John.
JOHN BISHOP, 1620 The Zone: Coach Huss, congratulations. Obviously, you credit Coach Mac, probably Coach Altman. I'm curious who some of the other influences in your basketball life have brought you to this moment.
ALAN HUSS: I mean, first and foremost, my dad. He started off before he got out of the game, he was a college basketball coach and a college basketball player. From time to time was a little bit hard on me. He looks soft right now. He didn't look like that way when he was out in the driveway with me for a lot of years. You know, so I start with that. I mean, it was for the first 18 years of my life. Every day we worked at this game together. After that, I had a really interesting journey.
Since I was a high school coach for so long, I was only an assistant coach for a couple years at the high school level. But Jeremy Moore, who gave me my first opportunity to be an assistant coach in high school, I'm still in touch with him to this day. He was... you know, he was a huge... huge part of just helping to empower me and encourage me to be a basketball coach. And I think probably the first guy that told me I could do it a little bit, that I was okay at it. Then I had just a whole series of different assistant coaches over the years, many of which were more experienced than I was. And so I had this odd situation where I was learning from my assistants a lot more than I was probably teaching them for most of my career. So many assistants that I probably couldn't name them all. You know, I think back just to, you know, we talked about Coach Altman, but Greg Grensing. I mean, still, I get a text after almost every game I play. I was a bad player for him 25 years ago but the guy still watches every game and gosh, he's got to be near or top of the list for certain as well.
ROB ANDERSON: All right, we'll do one final question.
JON WALKER, Omaha World-Herald: Hey, Al, what do you think 1997 Alan Huss would tell the person sitting where you are today?
ALAN HUSS: I know what this Alan Huss would tell the 1997 version. Does that work? I think the 97 version would probably say. We got lucky. I think that's probably the only thing that that guy could say. Holy cow, like how fortunate, how blessed. I can't even come up with words. I would have never imagined this. I didn't set out for this. You know, it's just, it's truly amazing.
ROB ANDERSON: All right, thank you. That'll conclude today's press conference. We'll do a couple minutes of photos up front with Al and his family and others. Thank you again for attending.
Players Mentioned
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