John Beilein was the savior of Michigan basketball. He came into Ann Arbor and completely changed the culture of the program. He took the Wolverines to two national championships in 2013 and 2018. Beilein consistently found under-ranked prospects and turned them into NBA-level talent. His back-to-back Big Ten championships reestablished the Maize and Blue as a dominant force in the conference.
In 2019, Beilein abruptly left the college ranks and joined the Cleveland Cavaliers. He wanted dip his toes into the vast ocean known as the NBA – let’s hope he actually didn’t get near Lake Erie though. Sadly, John Beilein’s coaching style was not fit for the pros. He didn’t even last a season in the NBA. Beilein has been out of coaching since. But, don’t take this brief hiatus as a lack of interest in the famed coach. A multitude of college teams could use John Beilein.
Indiana
Indiana was once the powerhouse of college basketball. The entire state at one point was considered the basketball capital of the world. But, they have fallen far from grace. The team last reached a March Madness in 2016. Indiana’s last Final Four appearance was nearly twenty years ago. Indiana is in desperate need of identity.
John Beilein is perfect for that. His career choices so far show he loves a challenge. Beilein can come in and do things right at the program. He is familiar with the Midwestern recruiting scene and has lived in the region for almost fifteen years. This move would certainly terrify Michigan fans. Beilein is legit and could give any team in the Big Ten a run for their money.
Marquette
The Golden Eagles fired their coach earlier today, so it is safe to say they are in the market for a new coach. The program’s biggest accomplishment since making the Final Four in 2003 was an Elite Eight berth in 2013. Marquette is in desperate need of a turnaround. Once again, John Beilein can be the savior for this program. Beilein can take over their young roster – which will only have one senior next season – and really instill his vision at the program.
Utah
The Utes have made the 20th-most NCAA tourney appearances but won their last championship in… 1944. Despite being the biggest university in their state, the program routinely gets outperformed. BYU and Utah State are both in the NCAA tournament this season while Utah last made the NIT in 2018. This job would be appealing to Beilein as it is different than anything he’s ever done. He will be in a completely new conference, recruiting scene, and region of the country. Utah is not necessarily a program with lots of history to tap into in their rebuild. John Beilein will be able to do that if given the opportunity.
