Challenges in the Life of Kelvin Sampson in a Detailed Timeline

Life is full of challenges, and Kelvin Sampson faced many. Discover key struggles and how they were overcome.

Kelvin Sampson is an American college basketball coach, currently serving as the head coach for the University of Houston Cougars. His career has been marked by both success and controversy. He achieved notable success at Oklahoma, leading them to the NCAA Tournament multiple times, including a Final Four appearance. He then coached at Indiana University, but his tenure ended amidst NCAA violations related to impermissible phone calls to recruits. After a period as an NBA assistant coach, Sampson revitalized his career at Houston, building a consistently successful program and leading the Cougars to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances, including a Final Four berth.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1996: Todd Bozeman Incident

In 1996, Todd Bozeman was slapped with an eight-year show-cause order.

2003: NABC Ethics Committee

In 2003, the Ethics Committee of the NABC was formed to address violations and would later reprimand Kelvin Sampson.

2006: Todd Bozeman Finds Work

In 2006, Todd Bozeman was unable to find work in the college ranks again until this year.

May 24, 2007: End of Recruiting Restrictions

On May 24, 2007, the NCAA ban on Kelvin Sampson from recruiting off-campus and making phone calls ended.

October 2007: Under Scrutiny for Impermissible Phone Calls

In October 2007, while coaching at Indiana, Kelvin Sampson came under scrutiny for making impermissible phone calls to recruits.

2007: Start of NCAA Texting Restrictions

In 2007, the NCAA rules restricted sending text messages to recruits, contributing to later violations and challenges for Kelvin Sampson.

February 8, 2008: NCAA Informed Indiana of Major Rules Violations

On February 8, 2008, the NCAA informed Indiana University that Kelvin Sampson had committed five "major" rules violations.

February 14, 2008: Sampson's Status Decided on Game-by-Game Basis

On February 14, 2008, it was reported that Kelvin Sampson's status as coach of the Hoosiers would be decided on a "game-by-game basis".

February 22, 2008: Resigned from Indiana University

On February 22, 2008, Kelvin Sampson was forced to resign from Indiana University due to allegations of serious NCAA violations.

November 25, 2008: NCAA Issued Probation

On November 25, 2008, the NCAA issued Indiana three years' probation for violations largely tied to Kelvin Sampson's watch and imposed a five-year show-cause order on Sampson.