Frank Haith

Head men's basketball coach at the University of Tulsa[14]

What is Frank Haith known for?

Frank James Haith Jr., born on November 3, 1965 in Queens, New York City, is an esteemed American men's basketball coach best known for his tenure as the head coach of the University of Tulsa's men's basketball team, among other significant coaching positions. A proud alumni of Western Alamance High School in Elon, North Carolina, Haith has carved a significant path throughout his career in basketball.

Haith's early life journey took him from the hustle of Queens, New York, to the quieter Burlington, North Carolina, where he was raised by his grandmother Ethel Mae Haith after his mother's untimely passing. His career in basketball coaching spans many years and numerous esteemed institutions. Starting his career as an assistant coach at Elon University from 1985 to 1989, he then served in a similar position at Wake Forest, UNC Wilmington, Texas A&M, and Penn State. His time as an assistant coach culminated in a return to Texas A&M and then at Texas University, showcasing his impressive ability and wide-ranging experience within the basketball community.

Haith's head coaching career kicked off in 2004 when he took command of the Miami Hurricanes men's basketball team. He then guided the University of Missouri's team from 2011 to 2014 before taking up the helm at Tulsa from 2014 to 2022. Apart from these significant roles, Haith also served as an assistant coach for Memphis Tigers' men's basketball team in the 2022-2023 period, and then returned to Texas University as an assistant coach, a role he holds currently.

During his impressive career, Haith maintained an overall coaching record of 343-237, showcasing a successful win rate. His honors are numerous, including winning the Big 12 tournament in 2012, the AAC regular season in 2020, and being named the Henry Iba Award winner, AP Coach of the Year, and Big 12 Coach of the Year by AP in 2012. He was also named the AAC Coach of the Year in 2020. These accolades underline Haith's effective leadership and strategic acumen in the realm of college basketball.

Throughout his career, Haith not only demonstrated his superb coaching talents but also displayed adept skills in identifying and recruiting talent. As an assistant coach, he recruited six McDonald's All-Americans, such as Rodney Rogers to Wake Forest in 1990, Jerald Brown to Texas A&M in 1995, Bradley Buckman to Texas in 2002, and LaMarcus Aldridge, Daniel Gibson, and Michael Williams to Texas in 2004.

In conclusion, with his strong leadership and unparalleled commitment to the game, Frank Haith, a notable alumni of Western Alamance High School, is undeniably a highly respected figure in the world of college basketball. His unwavering dedication to nurturing talent and leading teams to success has left an enduring impact on the basketball scene.

For more information about his life and career, you can visit his bio on the University of Texas official athletic site.