Creighton Reaches Crown Final Four in Coach Mac's Final Season

Longtime Bluejays coach to retire after tournament run.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 4:11pm

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A cubist-style painting featuring overlapping geometric shapes and planes in shades of blue, white, and gold, representing the dynamic action of a basketball game without any identifiable players or teams.Creighton's Final Four run provides a fitting send-off for longtime coach Greg 'Coach Mac' MacLeod.Omaha Today

Creighton University's men's basketball team has advanced to the Final Four of the prestigious Crown tournament, giving longtime head coach Greg 'Coach Mac' MacLeod at least one more game before his retirement at the end of the season.

Why it matters

Coach Mac has been a fixture on the Creighton sidelines for over two decades, leading the Bluejays to multiple conference titles and NCAA tournament appearances. His impending retirement at the end of this season marks the end of an era for the Omaha-based program.

The details

In a hard-fought victory over Rutgers University, the Creighton Bluejays punched their ticket to the Crown Final Four, ensuring that Coach Mac will have at least one more game to lead his team before stepping down. The Bluejays overcame a tough Rutgers squad, showcasing the veteran leadership and tournament experience that has defined Coach Mac's tenure.

  • Creighton defeated Rutgers on April 2, 2026 to advance to the Crown Final Four.

The players

Greg 'Coach Mac' MacLeod

The longtime head coach of the Creighton Bluejays men's basketball team, who is set to retire at the end of the 2025-26 season after over 20 years leading the program.

Creighton Bluejays

The men's basketball team of Creighton University, located in Omaha, Nebraska, that has advanced to the Crown Final Four in Coach Mac's final season.

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What they’re saying

“Coach Mac has meant so much to this program and this community. We're going to do everything we can to send him out on top.”

— Mike Sautter, Creighton Basketball Analyst

What’s next

Creighton will face the winner of the other semifinal matchup in the Crown Final Four, with the championship game scheduled for April 6, 2026.

The takeaway

Coach Mac's impending retirement marks the end of an era for Creighton basketball, but the Bluejays' run to the Crown Final Four provides an opportunity for the team and community to celebrate his legacy and potentially send him out as a champion.