Fran McCaffery returns to Penn to rejuvenate basketball program

In March 2025, Fran McCaffery was hired as the new men's basketball coach for the Penn Quakers in Philadelphia after being let go from Iowa. His appointment follows the firing of Steve Donahue, who led the Quakers to an 8-19 record in the 2024-25 season and an overall record of 131-130 during his decade-long tenure. McCaffery, who played for Penn from 1979 to 1982, has a strong connection to the university, having led the Ivy League in assists and steals during his final season there. He aims to restore Penn's prominence in the Ivy League and beyond, hoping to bring an exciting style of play back to the historic Palestra. Fran McCaffery's coaching career includes 15 years at Iowa, where he became the program's all-time winningest coach with a record of 297-207. Under his leadership, Iowa achieved success with eight 20-win seasons and several NCAA tournament appearances, including victories in four out of seven tournament participations. McCaffery's experience and winning pedigree are seen as vital assets in revitalizing the Penn program, which has struggled since its notable tournament run in 2018. The Quakers' recent basketball history has been less than stellar, with only one NCAA tournament appearance in the last 15 years. The team has also seen a decline with only a few wins in the past two seasons. Given the long-standing tradition and competitiveness of Ivy League basketball, McCaffery’s return to his alma mater is filled with expectations for future success. Athletic director Alanna Wren emphasized McCaffery's commitment to developing student-athletes and his passion for leadership as key factors in his hiring. As McCaffery embarked on this new chapter in March 2025, the challenges ahead are substantial. The hope is that his experience at both the collegiate and NCAA tournament levels can translate into a program that not only competes for Ivy League titles but also gains recognition on broader platforms. The Quakers' fan base and alumni are eager to see how McCaffery will leverage his historical ties to the university to bring about a turnaround that has eluded the program for years.