On Wednesday afternoon’s Field of 68 show, the longtime college basketball analyst and podcaster, Jeff Goodman, said Miami Hurricanes head coach Jai Lucas has his vote as the best first-year head coach in the 2025–26 season and Goodman didn’t hesitate when making his case.
“To me it’s easy,” Goodman said. “I think it’s easy — Jai Lucas. They’re 14-2.”
Goodman pointed out that Lucas faced plenty of skepticism when he was hired, with many questioning whether he was truly ready to take over the Miami program.
“This is a guy that a lot of people questioned the hire,” Goodman said. “‘Is he really ready for the Miami job?’”
Goodman also noted the head coaching job at Miami was one of the worst jobs in the ACC in past years, with the city’s pro sports focus and lack of consistent basketball support. That narrative, however, appears to be changing according to Goodman.
“Miami used to be one of the worst jobs in the ACC,” Goodman said. “Now they’ve got some money, they’re probably sixth or seventh in the rankings overall, and he’s done an incredible job.”
Under Lucas, the Hurricanes sit at 14-2 overall and undefeated in ACC play, putting themselves in the NCAA Tournament conversation.
“I know they haven’t beaten any of the big boys yet,” Goodman added, “but just to have them in contention at this point in January for an NCAA Tournament bid is really impressive for Jai. I think Lucas has done an amazing job.”
“To me it’s easy,” Goodman said. “I think it’s easy — Jai Lucas. They’re 14-2.”
Goodman pointed out that Lucas faced plenty of skepticism when he was hired, with many questioning whether he was truly ready to take over the Miami program.
“This is a guy that a lot of people questioned the hire,” Goodman said. “‘Is he really ready for the Miami job?’”
Goodman also noted the head coaching job at Miami was one of the worst jobs in the ACC in past years, with the city’s pro sports focus and lack of consistent basketball support. That narrative, however, appears to be changing according to Goodman.
“Miami used to be one of the worst jobs in the ACC,” Goodman said. “Now they’ve got some money, they’re probably sixth or seventh in the rankings overall, and he’s done an incredible job.”
Under Lucas, the Hurricanes sit at 14-2 overall and undefeated in ACC play, putting themselves in the NCAA Tournament conversation.
“I know they haven’t beaten any of the big boys yet,” Goodman added, “but just to have them in contention at this point in January for an NCAA Tournament bid is really impressive for Jai. I think Lucas has done an amazing job.”
