Villanova Wildcats head coach Jay Wright, and Butler Bulldogs head coach Chris Holtmann were named semi-finalists for the Naismith Coach of the Year award, the Atlanta Tipoff Club announced Wednesday.
It is hardly a surprise for either man to be named a semifinalist. Wright, who won the award previously in 2006, has led the Wildcats to a 28-2 record so far this season and they currently sit at #4 in the nation.
Holtmann, who was officially named coach of the Bulldogs in January following Brandon Miller taking a leave of absence. Has led Butler to a 21-9 record and had them in the Top 25 for most of the season.
The list will be cut to 10 on March 19, with a winner coming on April 5. The full list of semifinalists is below.
Tony Bennett, Virginia
Mike Brey, Notre Dame
John Calipari, Kentucky
Scott Drew, Baylor
Mark Few, Gonzaga
Chris Holtmann, Butler
Ben Jacobson, Northern Iowa
Larry Krystkowiak, Utah
Archie Miller, Dayton
Steve Prohm, Murray State
Bo Ryan, Wisconsin
Bill Self, Kansas
Wayne Tinkle, Oregon State
Mark Turgeon, Maryland
Jay Wright, Villanova
