Creighton’s Greg McDermott retiring after Crown run, elevating coach-in-waiting Alan Huss

Creighton coach Greg McDermott, the winningest coach in program history, announced Monday he is retiring after 16 seasons and handing the program off to former Bluejays player and trusted assistant Alan Huss once Creighton completes its participation in the College Basketball Crown tournament.

McDermott, 61, guided Creighton through a seamless transition from the Missouri Valley Conference to the Big East and has won 365 games, surpassing the school-record total of his predecessor, Dana Altman.

“I’m deeply grateful for the support of my family, our players, coaching staff and support staff, as well as the presidents, athletic directors, and all the University and athletic administrators,” McDermott said in a statement. “The support of the Omaha community consistently packing our arena with 17,000 fans has created many fond memories.

“While this chapter of my career comes to a close, my love and respect for the Bluejays will never fade. I look forward to the continued success of Bluejay basketball under the leadership of Alan Huss.”

Over 32 seasons as a head coach, McDermott was 645-383, with stints at Wayne State, North Dakota State, Northern Iowa, Iowa State and Creighton.

Huss rejoined the program last year as head coach-in-waiting after going 56-15 in two seasons leading High Point.