Career Timeline of Mick Cronin (basketball): Major Achievements and Milestones

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Mick Cronin (basketball) made an impact.

Mick Cronin is an American basketball coach currently serving as the head men's basketball coach at UCLA. Known for his defensive-minded approach and player development, Cronin has built a reputation as a successful college coach. Prior to UCLA, he had a successful tenure as the head coach at Cincinnati, leading the Bearcats to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances. His coaching career is marked by a focus on toughness, discipline, and a commitment to building strong team cultures, resulting in consistent success both on and off the court.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1991: Assistant Coaching Job at Woodward High School

In 1991, Mick Cronin was offered a job coaching the freshman team and assisting with the varsity team at Cincinnati Woodward High School by coach Jim Leon.

1994: Director of the Pittsburgh high school Roundball Classic

In 1994, Mick Cronin was director of the Pittsburgh high school Roundball Classic national all-star game.

1996: End of Woodward High School Coaching

In 1996, Mick Cronin ended his time as a varsity assistant coach and junior varsity coach at Woodward High School. During his time there, he compiled a 57–3 record in three seasons as JV coach, and as a varsity aide, Woodward claimed three city championships.

1996: Video Coordinator at the University of Cincinnati

In 1996, Mick Cronin took his first college coaching job as a video coordinator under Bob Huggins at the University of Cincinnati.

1996: Coached in the Magic Johnson Roundball Classic

In the spring of 1996, Mick Cronin coached the East team in the Magic Johnson Roundball Classic.

1997: Elevated to Assistant Coach at UC

In 1997, Mick Cronin was elevated to assistant coach at the University of Cincinnati.

2001: Associate Head Coach at Louisville

In 2001, Mick Cronin became the associate head coach and recruiting coordinator at Louisville under Rick Pitino.

2001: End of Assistant Coach Position at UC

In 2001, Mick Cronin ended his post as assistant coach at the University of Cincinnati.

2003: Hired as Head Coach at Murray State

In 2003, Mick Cronin's first head coaching job was at Murray State.

2005: Hired as Cincinnati's coach

After the 2005-06 season, Mick Cronin was hired as Cincinnati's coach, replacing interim coach Andy Kennedy after the dismissal of Bob Huggins.

2009: Successful Recruitment of Lance Stephenson

For the 2009–10 season, Mick Cronin successfully recruited Lance Stephenson, the all-time leading scorer in New York state high school basketball history.

2011: Contract Extension Through 2017

In 2011, the University of Cincinnati board of trustees approved a contract extension for Mick Cronin through 2017 with an average pay of $1.5 million a year.