Kelvin Sampson's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Kelvin Sampson. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

Kelvin Sampson is an American college basketball coach, currently the head coach for the University of Houston. He has achieved considerable success throughout his career, marked by leading multiple programs to national prominence and NCAA Tournament appearances. His coaching career includes stints at Washington State, Oklahoma, and Indiana. While at Oklahoma, Sampson led the Sooners to the NCAA Final Four in 2002. His career has faced scrutiny, including an NCAA investigation and subsequent penalties during his time at Indiana. Since taking over the Houston program in 2014, Sampson has rebuilt the Cougars into a national powerhouse, leading them to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances, including a Final Four run in 2021.

Sections (5)

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

1983: Named Frontier Conference coach of the year

In 1983, Kelvin Sampson was named the Frontier Conference Coach of the Year while at Montana Tech.

1983: Deepest run in the tournament since 1983

In 2019 Kelvin Sampson led the Cougars to a school-record 33 games, only the fourth 30-win season in school history, and advanced to the Sweet Sixteen, their deepest run in the tournament since advancing all the way to the national championship game in 1983.

1984: First NCAA tournament game since 1984

In 2018 Houston posted its first Top 25 finish and won its first NCAA tournament game since 1984.

1984: First Final Four appearance since 1984

In 2021, Kelvin Sampson led Houston to its first conference tournament crown since 2010 and advanced to the Final Four for the first time since 1984.

1985: Named Frontier Conference coach of the year

In 1985, Kelvin Sampson was again named the Frontier Conference Coach of the Year while at Montana Tech.

1991: Named Kodak District 14 Coach of the Year

In 1991, Kelvin Sampson was named Kodak District 14 Coach of the Year by the NABC after producing the school's first winning season since 1983.

1992: Washington State participated in NIT; Named Pac-10 Coach of the Year

In 1992, Kelvin Sampson led Washington State to the NIT, marking their first postseason appearance since 1983. He was also named Kodak District 14 Coach of the Year and Pac-10 Coach of the Year in 1992.

1995: Named National Coach of the Year

In 1995, Kelvin Sampson was named national coach of the year by the Associated Press, United States Basketball Writers Association, and Basketball Weekly in his first year at the University of Oklahoma.

2001: Big 12 Tournament Win

In 2001, Kelvin Sampson led the Oklahoma Sooners to win the Big 12 tournament.

2002: Final Four Appearance and Big 12 Tournament Win

In 2002, Kelvin Sampson directed the Oklahoma Sooners to a Final Four appearance in the NCAA Tournament and won the Big 12 tournament.

2002: Reaching Final Four after a gap of over ten years

In 2021 Kelvin became the fifteenth coach to have reached a Final Four again after a gap of over ten years, having last reached the Final Four in 2002.

2003: Elite Eight Appearance and Big 12 Tournament Win

In 2003, Kelvin Sampson directed the Oklahoma Sooners to an Elite Eight appearance in the NCAA Tournament and won the Big 12 tournament.

2004: Coached Under-21 USA Team to Gold Medal

In 2004, Kelvin Sampson coached the Under-21 USA national team to a gold medal in the Under-21 Tournament of the Americas in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

2010: First conference tournament crown since 2010

In 2021, Kelvin Sampson led Houston to its first conference tournament crown since 2010.

2018: Renovation of Fertitta Center, Top 25 Finish, NCAA Tournament Win

In 2018, Kelvin Sampson oversaw a $60 million renovation to Hofheinz Pavilion (renamed the Fertitta Center). Houston posted its first Top 25 finish and won its first NCAA tournament game since 1984.

2019: Record-Breaking Season and Sweet Sixteen Appearance

In 2019, Kelvin Sampson led the Cougars to a school-record 33 wins and advanced to the Sweet Sixteen, their deepest run in the tournament since 1983 and 1984.

2021: Conference Tournament Crown and Final Four Appearance

In 2021, Kelvin Sampson led Houston to its first conference tournament crown since 2010 and advanced to the Final Four for the first time since 1984.

2022: Conference Crown, Conference Tournament and Elite Eight

In 2022, Kelvin Sampson's Cougars overcame season-ending injuries to key players, won the regular-season American Athletic Conference crown and the conference tournament, and advanced to the Elite Eight in the NCAA Tournament. He was voted AAC Coach of the Year for the third time.