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Chris Beard Makes Ole Miss History WIth Highest Coaching Honor

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Levi Dombro | Last updated Mar 31, 2025 5:12 PM ET

The Ole Miss basketball team shocked plenty of people this season as they earned a winning record in the SEC, which many consider to be the best conference in the history of college basketball. Head coach Chris Beard also led the Rebels to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament this March for the first time in over 20 years.

In just his second season at the helm, Coach Beard has completely transformed the attitude and perception of Rebels basketball, and he has been awarded accordingly. On Monday, Beard was named the winner of the Jim Phelan National Coach of the Year Award, becoming the first Ole Miss coach to win the honor.

The Jim Phelan Award is given annually to the most outstanding Division I coach according to CollegeInsider.com. Beard was selected this season after a 24-win campaign and a run to the NCAA Tournament Regional Semifinal, where the team defeated powerhouses like North Carolina and Iowa State before falling to Michigan State.

Beard also got the best out of senior guard Sean Pedulla, who earned Third-Team All-SEC Honors this season and was named to the South Regional All-Tournament Team for his efforts in March Madness. Now, with most of his key contributors from this season graduating, Beard will have to retool the Rebels' lineup. However, as this award proves, he is a tremendous coach who can turn things around quickly and get the best out of his players.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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