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BYU men’s basketball head coach Dave Rose has his Cougars once again in the NCAA Tournament.
Rose has, arguably, been the most successful coach in the program’s history. Under his watch, BYU has become a power in the Mountain West Conference. In his 10th year, Rose is looking to once again take the Cougars on a trip through the NCAA Tournament.
Here’s what you need to know:
1. Rose Played Basketball for the University of Houston
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In addition to playing basketball, Rose played baseball at Dixie State College before he transferred to The University of Houston in 1980. He redshirted his sophomore season, which may have ended up being the best decision of his life.
He became the co-captain on the famous “Phi-Slamma Jamma” Houston team that featured future NBA Hall of Famers Hakeen Olajuwon and Clyde Drexler. Together, the three took the program to heights it had never reached before — a No. 1 ranking and National Championship Game appearance in 1983.
2. Rose Became BYU’s Head Coach in 2005
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Originally, Rose has returned to Dixie State College — where it all began for him — and was the head coach of the program from 1990-97.
He was officially hired by BYU as an assistant coach in 1997. After three seasons, he became assistant head coach from 2000-05, and then was next in line to take the head job when offered to him in 2005.
3. Rose Is the Best Head Coach in Program History?
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To say that Rose has taken the Cougars to new heights during his tenure is a fair statement. Although they haven’t had enormous success in the NCAA Tournament — only advancing to the Sweet 16 once — he has put the program on the map and made BYU a headache for other team’s when they see them on their schedule.
Here are some of Rose’s accomplishments in his decade with the team:
232-78 overall record (second all-time at BYU in wins) for a BYU record .748 winning percentage
With 232 victories through nine seasons is fifth all-time for best career starts by wins in NCAA history
With 209 victories through eight seasons is fifth all-time for best career starts by wins in NCAA history
With 185 victories through seven seasons is fourth all-time for best career starts by wins in NCAA history
With 159 victories through six seasons is tied for third all-time for best career starts by wins in NCAA history
With 127 victories through five seasons is sixth all-time for best career starts by wins in NCAA history
Reached 200 career wins in his 259th game, making him 15th fastest in NCAA history to 200 victories
Ranks 9th among active coaches in career winning percentage, ahead of Rick Pitino, Bob Huggins, Tom Izzo, Larry Brown and Billy Donovan
Four Mountain West Conference regular season titles, a BYU and MWC record
Three-time MWC Coach of the Year (2006, 2007, 2011)Naismith Coach of the Year Finalist in 2011
Seven trips to the NCAA tournament (a BYU record), including six-consecutive trips from 2007 to 2012 (a BYU record)
Holds top two spots for wins in a season in BYU history with 32 in 2010-11 and 30 in 2009-10
Only BYU coach to win at least 20 games in each of his first nine seasons
4. Rose Coached Jimmermania!
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His most successful season as BYU head coach came during 2010-11 when the team won the Mountain West, earned a No. 3 seed in the South Region of the NCAA Tournament, and eventually finished 32-5 — the best finish to date in program history.
Who was that team’s best player? Jimmer Fredette.
Fredette, from a small-town named Glen Falls in upstate New York, took the country by storm with his shooting prowess. He finished as the National College Player of the Year and as a First Team All-American.
5. Rose Is Heavily Involved in Off-court Service
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Like his head coach accomplishments, the list of Rose’s service to other charitable endeavors and organizations can be found on his bio page on byucougars.com.
A member of the National Coaches vs. Cancer Council that includes Mike Krzyzewski (Duke), Roy Williams (North Carolina), Jim Boeheim (Syracuse) and Mike Brey (Notre Dame)
Assisting with the Hope Lodge, a facility that will be constructed in Salt Lake City to house families of cancer patients
NABC Game Pillar Award for Service in 2008
63rd recipient of the Dale Rex Memorial Award
Honorary Chair of the Children with Cancer Christmas Foundation
Was the first coach in the state of Utah to participate in the American Cancer Society’s nationwide Coaches vs. Cancer campaign
Lobbied before Congress for more funding for cancer research in September 2010
Rose’s wife is Cheryl; together they have two children, a daughter named Chanell and a son named Garrett. The couple have seven grandchildren, too.
