Young Coaches Jon Scheyer, Todd Golden Reach Final Four

The 2025 NCAA Men's Final Four highlights a generational clash in coaching, featuring a mix of veteran mentors and younger leaders, with Houston's Kelvin Sampson and Auburn's Bruce Pearl facing off against Duke's Jon Scheyer and Florida's Todd Golden. This year's tournament has seen a significant transition in college basketball as several prominent coaches have retired recently, raising questions about the sport's future. Notably, Scheyer and Golden, both under 40, have joined the ranks of the youngest coaches to reach a Final Four since 1984. The success of these young coaches, alongside seasoned veterans, reflects the evolving landscape of college basketball amidst changes in player mobility and compensation. The tournament's competitive field is being recognized as one of the strongest in recent years, with each coach vying for their first national championship. Analysts are assessing the strengths and trajectories of these coaches, with Sampson and Pearl benefiting from their extensive experience, while Scheyer and Golden bring fresh energy and innovative strategies.