Creighton's McDermott Era Ends in Defeat

Longtime coach Greg McDermott's Bluejays career closes with a loss in the NCAA Tournament

Apr. 5, 2026 at 12:50am

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Creighton basketball's season, and coach Greg McDermott's 16-year tenure with the Bluejays, came to an end with a defeat in the NCAA Tournament. McDermott, who has led Creighton to 10 NCAA Tournament appearances, walked off the court for the final time after the loss, exchanging handshakes and fist bumps with fans and players.

Why it matters

McDermott's departure marks the end of an era for Creighton basketball. He built the program into a consistent NCAA Tournament contender and led the Bluejays to their first-ever Sweet 16 appearance in 2021. His retirement leaves big shoes to fill for the next Creighton head coach.

The details

In his final game, McDermott went through the handshake line, flashed a thumbs-up to the Creighton fans, and walked off the court one last time. McDermott has been the head coach of the Bluejays since 2010, leading the team to 10 NCAA Tournament appearances. He announced his retirement earlier this year, with assistant coach Alan Huss taking over as the new head coach.

  • Creighton's season ended with a loss in the NCAA Tournament on April 5, 2026.
  • McDermott announced his retirement on March 25, 2026, with Huss being named the new head coach.

The players

Greg McDermott

The outgoing head coach of the Creighton Bluejays men's basketball team, who is retiring after 16 seasons with the program.

Alan Huss

The new head coach of the Creighton Bluejays men's basketball team, taking over for the retiring Greg McDermott.

Marcus Blossom

The athletic director of Creighton University, who introduced Alan Huss as the new head coach.

Rev. Daniel S. Hendrickson

The president of Creighton University, who also spoke at the press conference introducing Alan Huss as the new head coach.

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What they’re saying

“Don't ever want it to end.”

— Greg McDermott, Outgoing Creighton Men's Basketball Coach

“Greg has built this program into one of the best in the country. We're grateful for his leadership and dedication over the past 16 years.”

— Rev. Daniel S. Hendrickson, Creighton University President

What’s next

Creighton will hold a formal retirement ceremony for Greg McDermott at a later date to honor his legacy with the program.

The takeaway

The end of the Greg McDermott era at Creighton marks a significant transition for the men's basketball program. While his departure is bittersweet, the university is confident that new head coach Alan Huss can build upon the strong foundation McDermott established and continue Creighton's success on the court.