### Alan Huss Returns to Creighton: A Strategic Move in College Basketball Coaching Alan Huss, the former head coach of High Point University, is set to return to Creighton University as the head coach-in-waiting. This transition marks a significant moment in college basketball, as Huss, a Creighton alum and former assistant coach, is poised to succeed longtime head coach Greg McDermott, who has been at the helm since 2010. Huss's successful tenure at High Point, where he led the team to a remarkable 56-15 record and two consecutive Big South regular-season titles, has made him a sought-after candidate for this pivotal role at Creighton [https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/greg-mcdermott-eyeing-exit-from-creighton-as-high-points-alan-huss-returns-to-staff-as-coach-in-waiting]. ### Breakdown of the Coaching Transition 1. **Huss's Background and Achievements** - Alan Huss played for Creighton from 1997-2001 and served as an assistant coach from 2017 to 2023 before taking the head coaching position at High Point. - During his two seasons at High Point, he achieved a 56-15 record, leading the Panthers to the NCAA Tournament [https://www.yardbarker.com/college_basketball/articles/report_creighton_hires_alan_huss_as_coach_in_waiting/s1_17048_42032974]. 2. **Creighton's Strategic Decision** - Creighton announced Huss's hiring as the coach-in-waiting, indicating a clear succession plan as McDermott approaches retirement [https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaab/2025/04/10/alan-huss-creighton-high-point-basketball-coach-in-waiting/83026388007]. - This move is seen as a proactive step to maintain the program's competitive edge in the Big East Conference [https://www.sportingnews.com/us/ncaa-basketball/news/creighton-basketballs-latest-move-signals-greg-mcdermotts-retirement-horizon/653b839fccdd60bb0e2360f3]. 3. **Implications for McDermott's Future** - Greg McDermott, currently 60 years old, has not set a specific timeline for his retirement, but the hiring of Huss suggests that it may be imminent [https://www.wric.com/sports/sports-illustrated/b9d139e0/creighton-names-high-point-coach-alan-huss-as-greg-mcdermotts-successor]. - The transition aims to ensure a smooth handover of responsibilities and maintain the program's success [https://www.thestar.com/sports/basketball/alan-huss-will-leave-high-point-to-become-coach-in-waiting-at-creighton-ap-source/article_d511bf80-0264-5f6f-8100-d56682c915b1.html]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Huss's Coaching Record at High Point** - **Overall Record**: 56 wins, 15 losses - **Achievements**: Two consecutive Big South regular-season titles, NCAA Tournament appearance in 2025 [https://www.yardbarker.com/college_basketball/articles/report_creighton_hires_alan_huss_as_coach_in_waiting/s1_17048_42032974]. - **Creighton's Performance Under McDermott** - **Tenure**: 2010-present - **NCAA Tournament Appearances**: 10 - **Overall Record**: 350 wins, 171 losses [https://www.yardbarker.com/college_basketball/articles/report_creighton_hires_alan_huss_as_coach_in_waiting/s1_17048_42032974]. ### Conclusion: A Strategic Coaching Shift In summary, **Alan Huss's return to Creighton as the head coach-in-waiting represents a strategic move for both the coach and the university**. This transition is designed to ensure continuity and success for the Bluejays as they navigate the future of their basketball program. 1. **Huss's successful track record at High Point positions him as a strong candidate for the role**. 2. **Creighton's proactive approach in hiring Huss indicates a clear succession plan as McDermott nears retirement**. 3. **The move aims to maintain Creighton's competitive stature in college basketball**. This coaching change not only reflects Huss's growth as a coach but also highlights Creighton's commitment to sustaining excellence in their basketball program [https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/greg-mcdermott-eyeing-exit-from-creighton-as-high-points-alan-huss-returns-to-staff-as-coach-in-waiting].