Dick Vitale picks Miami RedHawks' Travis Steele as coach of the year

ESPN college basketball broadcasting legend Dick Vitale shared his " all-Rolls Royce, Diaper Dandy teams for 2025-26," and named Miami RedHawks head coach Travis Steele his coach of the year in men's basketball. "Give it up for Steele," Vitale wrote. "What he did with the Miami (Ohio) program this season was absolutely sensational.

His team played disciplined defense, shared the basketball, competed with relentless energy and won an NCAA tournament game. He built a foundation of toughness, chemistry and belief - and his team responded with a campaign that turned heads nationwide. " "Steele molded a mid-major marvel with discipline, heart and a brilliant game plan every night," Vitale continued.

"This wasn't just coaching - it was teaching, inspiring and elevating an entire program. " Vitale said in early March that there "should not even be a debate" about whether the RedHawks deserved an NCAA Tournament at-large bid. Steele was named a 2026 Naismith men's college coach of the year semifinalist, the Atlanta Tipoff Club announced.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Dick Vitale picks Miami RedHawks' Travis Steele as coach of the year