Tom Izzo, Mark Few, other college coaches pay respects to Dana Altman

Dana Altman’s surprise retirement was the talk of the college basketball world on Wednesday, as the long-time Oregon Ducks head coach made the decision to walk away from the game after 16 seasons in Eugene and 37 years as a head coach. Altman finished just eight wins short of 800 career victories, landing at 15th on the all-time head coaching wins list in college basketball.

Throughout his time in Eugene, Altman became known as one of the top coaches in the nation, bringing the Ducks to nine NCAA tournament appearances and taking them all the way to the Final Four in 2017. He produced a number of NBA players, namely Dillon Brooks and Payton Pritchard, both of whom starred as Ducks and have lengthy NBA careers still ahead of them.

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At 68 years old, Altman created many connections in the PAC-12 and Big Ten, earning the respect of some of his fellow legendary coaches around the nation.

Following Wednesday’s news, a number of college coaches paid their respects to Altman, highlighted by Michigan State’s Tom Izzo and Gonzaga’s Mark Few. Here are each of the coaches who gave Altman his flowers after his retirement announcement, plus former Duck Luke Jackson.

Tom Izzo — Michigan State Spartans

“I feel bad or I feel happy. I’m not sure which one for Dana.

Mark Few — Gonzaga Bulldogs

“He’s had the greatest run at Oregon anyone’s ever had.”

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Kelvin Sampson — Houston Cougars

“Job well done. He was such a good coach. He was such a good man. He’s one of the good guys.”

Steve Alford — Former UCLA Bruins HC

“Couldn’t be more happy for him because he’s had an incredible coaching career and I’ve got great, great respect for him.”

Sean Miller — Texas Longhorns

“Dana Altman is one of the BEST college basketball coaches to ever do it.”

Brad Underwood — Illinois Fighting Illini

“Everything he has touched has found success.”

Mike Young — Virginia Tech Hokies

“I love Dana Altman and what he’s done for college basketball.”

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Luke Jackson — Former Duck

“I’m just…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/tom-izzo-mark-few-other-200925180.html

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Publish date : 2026-10-08 20:09:00

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