Kevin Ollie 2014. Tubby Smith 1998. Steve Fisher…89?
Tubby and Ollie had something pretty significant in common however. They both took over rosters with a bunch of guys that already had rings and knew how to get it done.
Those 3 are not just the only first year coaches to win it, but they’re the only coaches that didn’t have at least an E8 run already under their belts that have won it during that time.
So basically, barring inheriting a roster that has already won a title, you have to have at least been to the E8 as a head coach.
Edit: i forgot tubby was not a first year head coach. just first year at kentucky.