Mick Cronin leads the UCLA men’s basketball program with a reputation for defense-first discipline, steady improvement, and postseason success. Hired on April 9, 2019, he assumed the title of Michael Price Family UCLA Men’s Head Basketball Coach. In his first six seasons at UCLA, his teams achieved a combined record of 138-64 overall and 81-36 in conference play. He guided the Bruins to four NCAA Tournament appearances in his time at UCLA, including a Final Four berth in 2021 and Sweet 16 showings in 2022 and 2023. Before arriving in Los Angeles, he served 13 seasons at his alma mater, the University of Cincinnati (2006-19) and three seasons at Murray State University (2003-06), achieving 503 career wins through 22 seasons as a collegiate head coach.
Cronin’s teams are consistently characterized by low turnovers, tenacious defense and incremental growth. For example, during his UCLA tenure they recorded 105-9 when limiting opponents to 65 points or fewer over a six-season stretch. He also places emphasis on close-game execution, compiling a 38-23 record in games decided by five points or fewer. His coaching journey began in his hometown of Cincinnati, where he served as a high school assistant, then as a video coordinator and assistant at Cincinnati, and later as an assistant at Louisville. Even as he transformed UCLA’s program in the national spotlight, Cross-border recruiting, rigorous practice standards and poise under pressure have marked his leadership.
