Former Kentucky assistant Jai Lucas wins Joe B. Hall Coach of the Year award

Jai Lucas‘ head coaching career is off to a great start. So great that he’s earned an award named after an all-time Kentucky great.

On Thursday, Lucas was honored as the recipient of the 2026 Joe B. Hall National Coach of the Year award, which is given out annually to the best new head coach in Division I men’s college basketball. Lucas, who served as an assistant at UK for two years (2020-22) under former head coach John Calipari, led the Miami Hurricanes to a 26-9 record (13-5 ACC) in his first run as a head coach this past season. Miami even won an NCAA Tournament game before being bounced in the Round of 32.

“Many believed the ‘Canes would be much improved this season, but I don’t think many people outside of that locker room thought a 26-win season was likely,” said Joe Dwyer, President of College Insider, Inc. and member of the Joe B. Hall voting panel. “Coach Lucas changed the tenor of the program, from top to bottom. He instilled a toughness and a winning mindset. They went from an offensively challenged team to one of the most efficient offenses in college basketball. It was great to see Miami basketball back near the top of the ACC.”

What Lucas did in Coral Gables during the 2025-26 was among the best turnarounds we’ve ever seen in college hoops. Miami won just seven games last season, a 19-win improvement for Lucas. The Hurricanes went 15-2 at the Watsco Center, one win shy of tying the program record for wins at home. Miami shot 49.7 percent from the floor as a team, which led the ACC.

And to think, if it wasn’t for Billy Gillispie, there’s a very good chance Lucas ends up playing his college ball at Kentucky instead of Florida and Texas…

Year one. Statement made.

The Joe B. Hall award is presented annually to the top first-time head coach in division I college basketball 🙌#Relentless x #GoCanes pic.twitter.com/3v1b3xlmLd

— Canes Men’s Basketball (@CanesHoops) April 2, 2026

The Joe B. Hall National Coach of the Year award, named after the late Kentucky head coach who led the Wildcats to a national championship in 1978, has been around since 2012. Steve Prohm was the first person to win the award as a first-year head coach at Murray State. Other notable winners include Brad Underwood (Stephen F. Austin, 2014), Chris Jans (Bowling Green, 2015), and Ben McCollum (Drake, 2025).

Also of note, Murray State head coach Ryan Miller was among the 16 first-year head coaches listed as finalists for this year’s award. The Racers finished 20-13 this past season with a 12-8 mark against Missouri Valley Conference competition.