Creighton Bluejays head coach Greg McDermott Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports

Creighton coach Greg McDermott positive for COVID-19

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 1/21/22

The 11-5 Creighton Bluejays will be without a familiar name when they host the 10-7 DePaul Blue Demons on Saturday.

Creighton confirmed Friday that head coach Greg McDermott is unavailable for Saturday's matchup due to health and safety protocols related to COVID-19:

Due to health and safety protocols, Creighton Head Coach Greg McDermott will miss tomorrow’s game against DePaul. pic.twitter.com/VZ7TVRCuW4
— Creighton Men’s Basketball (@BluejayMBB) January 21, 2022

Per The Associated Press (h/t ESPN), McDermott tested positive for the coronavirus. His status for this coming Wednesday's matchup at the Butler Bulldogs wasn't clear as of late Friday afternoon.

Thus far this season, Creighton has had three conference contests postponed due to COVID-19 issues impacting opponents. Two of those games were rescheduled for next month.

As Tom Nemitz noted for White & Blue review, McDermott missed Monday’s practice and most of Tuesday's session following what was referred to as "minor medical procedure" presumably not linked with his positive COVID-19 test result. The 57-year-old was, however, able to work Wednesday's 87-64 victory over the St. John's Red Storm.

According to Omaha's KETV, that was Creighton's first home game in 33 days.

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