Historic First: Jewish Coaches Todd Golden, Bruce Pearl, and Jon Scheyer Lead Florida, Auburn, and Duke to the Final Four in Landmark NCAA Tournament Moment

The 2025 NCAA Tournament was a historic event, marking an unprecedented moment in college basketball. For the first time in NCAA history, three Jewish head coaches led their respective teams to the Final Four, an achievement that captivated the sports world and represented a significant step in diversifying college basketball leadership. The coaches—Todd Golden of the University of Florida, Bruce Pearl of Auburn University, and Jon Scheyer of Duke University—each navigated their teams through a grueling tournament, culminating in a memorable run to the sport’s biggest stage.

This historic achievement not only highlighted the prowess of these coaches but also underscored the broader impact of representation in sports leadership. In a field traditionally dominated by coaches from various backgrounds, this trio’s success has sparked important conversations about diversity, inclusion, and the evolving face of college basketball.

Todd Golden, the head coach at the University of Florida, had already made waves in the college basketball scene since taking over the Gators program. Hired in 2022, Golden inherited a team with a rich history but faced the daunting challenge of returning Florida to national prominence. Despite initial skepticism, Golden’s leadership was proven beyond the statistics.

In the 2025 NCAA Tournament, Golden’s Florida squad displayed incredible resilience, overcoming several powerhouse programs to reach the Final Four. His coaching philosophy centered around a balanced offense and a lockdown defense, focusing on playing fast and physical. With key players emerging as stars under his tutelage, including a breakout performance by a sophomore guard who thrived in Golden’s system, Florida became a serious threat in the tournament.

Golden’s ability to adapt and adjust in critical moments of the tournament was evident in the Gators’ thrilling victories over higher-seeded teams. Florida’s run was marked by clutch shots, timely defensive plays, and a determined team that embodied Golden’s passion and drive. After years of rebuilding, Golden’s Gators proved they were ready to compete at the highest level.

Golden’s success was not just a victory for Florida basketball, but for Jewish representation in coaching. As one of the few Jewish head coaches in major college basketball, his achievement stood as a testament to the growing influence of Jewish athletes and coaches in the sport.

Bruce Pearl’s journey at Auburn University has been one of both triumph and transformation. Taking over a struggling program, Pearl quickly turned Auburn into a powerhouse in the SEC, creating a team known for its fast-paced offense, gritty defense, and intense energy. In 2025, Pearl led the Tigers to an even higher level of success, steering them to the Final Four in dramatic fashion.

Auburn’s run to the Final Four was a testament to Pearl’s leadership, particularly his ability to develop players both on and off the court. Under Pearl’s guidance, Auburn became known for its high-pressure defense, suffocating opponents with full-court presses and relentless on-ball pressure. In the tournament, Auburn’s defense shone brightest in their upset victories over top teams, including a tense showdown in the Elite Eight that saw the Tigers stifle one of the tournament’s best offenses.

Pearl’s ability to adapt to the tournament’s unpredictable nature was key to Auburn’s deep run. His coaching acumen, especially in high-stress situations, was apparent as he made crucial in-game decisions that proved pivotal in Auburn’s success. Beyond the Xs and Os, Pearl’s emotional intelligence and motivational skills kept his players focused, driving them to overcome adversity time and again.

As one of the most prominent Jewish coaches in college basketball, Pearl’s success resonates beyond the confines of the basketball court. His work at Auburn has not only put the Tigers on the map but also showcased the leadership potential of Jewish coaches in the modern era of NCAA basketball.

Jon Scheyer’s ascension to head coach at Duke University was a highly anticipated moment in college basketball. After legendary coach Mike Krzyzewski retired, the Blue Devils needed a leader who could continue the program’s tradition of excellence. Scheyer, a former Duke player under Coach K, was seen as the natural heir to the throne, but the pressure was immense.

In his first few seasons as head coach, Scheyer demonstrated his ability to navigate the challenges of coaching one of the most storied programs in college basketball. In the 2025 tournament, Scheyer’s Duke team was once again a national contender. Known for their fast-paced, ball-moving offense and strong defensive principles, the Blue Devils stormed through the bracket with impressive wins over both traditional powerhouses and upstart teams.

Scheyer’s impact was felt both on and off the court. As a former player at Duke, he understood the pressure of representing the program’s storied legacy, but he also instilled a sense of renewed purpose and pride in his players. Scheyer’s leadership style—marked by a calm demeanor, strategic brilliance, and an unwavering commitment to team development—resonated with his players and led them to the Final Four.

In many ways, Scheyer’s success represented a new era for Duke basketball. He broke the mold of what was expected from a Duke head coach, blending the best aspects of Coach K’s philosophies with his own unique approach. For Jewish representation in coaching, Scheyer’s rise to prominence serves as a powerful symbol of what is possible for future generations of coaches.

While each coach’s journey was unique, the common thread that united Golden, Pearl, and Scheyer was their Jewish identity. In a sport that has seen increasing diversity among players, the representation of Jewish coaches at the highest level was a significant milestone.

Throughout history, Jews have made important contributions to sports, but Jewish representation in coaching, especially at the elite college basketball level, has been limited. The success of Golden, Pearl, and Scheyer in the 2025 NCAA Tournament highlighted the shifting dynamics within the sport, where leadership is now being shaped by a broader range of cultural and religious backgrounds.

For many Jewish athletes and coaches, seeing these three men reach the pinnacle of their profession was both inspiring and empowering. It demonstrated that hard work, dedication, and skill could transcend barriers, including those of faith and background. The moment was particularly poignant for Jewish communities across the United States and the world, as it showcased the strength and influence of Jewish leadership in a highly visible and competitive space.

The significance of Golden, Pearl, and Scheyer reaching the Final Four extends far beyond the confines of the basketball court. Their success sends a powerful message to young Jewish athletes and coaches, encouraging them to pursue their dreams in sports, even in fields where they are underrepresented. Their journey also serves as a reminder that diversity in leadership positions can enrich the game, bringing new perspectives, ideas, and strategies to the forefront.

In the years to come, the impact of this historic moment will continue to resonate. More Jewish coaches may find inspiration in Golden, Pearl, and Scheyer’s achievements, and more young players may aspire to follow in their footsteps. This cultural shift could lead to an even more inclusive and dynamic future for college basketball, where coaches from all walks of life can reach the highest levels of success.

The 2025 NCAA Tournament will be remembered not only for the high level of basketball played but also for the historic milestone achieved by Todd Golden, Bruce Pearl, and Jon Scheyer. These three Jewish coaches led their teams to the Final Four in a groundbreaking moment that will forever be etched in the history of college basketball.

Their success serves as a testament to the power of hard work, dedication, and the importance of representation in sports leadership. It also marks a turning point in the ongoing evolution of college basketball, where diverse voices are increasingly taking center stage. The legacies of Golden, Pearl, and Scheyer will inspire future generations of coaches and players, proving that there is no limit to what can be achieved when talent, determination, and passion align.

In the years ahead, the 2025 NCAA Tournament will stand as a symbol of progress, reminding us that history is not made by a select few, but by those who dare to dream and break barriers along the way.