Magee hits 903, most wins in NCAA history

The winningest coach in college basketball history doesn’t coach for a team in the NCAA final four. But Herb Magee has built up quite a reputation nonetheless.

The winningest coach in college basketball history doesn’t coach for a team in the NCAA final four.  He doesn’t even coach at one of Philadelphia’s Big 5 basketball schools.  But Herb Magee has built up quite a reputation nonetheless. [audio: 100223SBCOACH.mp3]

Magee: Nobody would ever anticipate that you’re going to be in the same position for 43 years, much less at the same place for 50 years.

But that’s just how things have worked out for Philadelphia University Basketball Coach Herb Magee.  Last night, Magee notched his 903rd win, topping the legendary Bobby Knight for the most in college hoops.

Magee attended what was then the Philadelphia College of Textiles on a full basketball scholarship, graduating in 1963.  He took the reins of the basketball program in 1967 and hasn’t let go.  He says he doesn’t think about records, but instead takes it one game at a time.

Magee: It probably will hit me when the season’s over, during the coach’s convention, or down the shore or hanging out with my friends playing golf, but I don’t even think about it now.

What he is thinking about is another NCAA berth.  Magee has guided the Division II Rams to the NCAA tournament 24 times over the years.  The coach, now 68,  has no plans to retire.