KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Following a long and distinguished career as a military officer, men’s basketball coach and administrator, Reggie Minton has announced his retirement as deputy executive director of the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC).
Minton joined the NABC staff as associate executive director in 2000 after 16 years as the head men’s basketball coach at the United States Air Force Academy, the longest coaching tenure in the academy’s history. In 2004, Executive Director Jim Haney elevated Minton to deputy executive director.
“Following my time as coach at the Air Force Academy, I was fortunate to have Jim Haney provide an opportunity with the NABC. I had been on the board of directors and didn’t know all of the intricacies, other than to advocate for the best interests of the coaches, the game and the players,” said Minton. “I have enjoyed working with Jim and the NABC staff, trying to make things as best as possible for the coaches and the game in its totality.”
Minton assisted Haney on issues that impacted college basketball and its coaches, legislative actions and other matters with the NCAA, including preparation for the NABC Convention, held annually in conjunction with the men’s Final Four. He has been the NABC liaison in its partnership with the American Cancer Society for the Coaches vs. Cancer program, which has raised more than $100 million since its inception. Minton also chairs the selection committee for the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame.
“It’s hard to separate college basketball from who Reggie is. He embodies the character you want in a coach and a person. So many coaches respected him for his integrity, his knowledge of and passion for the game along with the well-being of the coaching profession,” said Haney, who has recently retired from his position as executive director.
“This goes back to the integrity he models every day in all he does. Because of who he is, how he carries himself and how highly respected he is, Reggie could not have represented the NABC any better. He shared his wisdom and cared for each coach as a person with great empathy when coaches lost their jobs. Reggie made a wonderful impact on the game and on the NABC.”
Throughout his career, Minton was active with USA Basketball, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Board of Trustees and the NIT selection committee. He has served on numerous NCAA committees, including a term as chair of the rules committee and as a consultant to the NCAA Men’s Basketball Issues Committee.
A Bridgeport, Conn., native, Minton was an all-state selection at Bridgeport Central High and was a collegiate standout at The College of Wooster. Following graduation, Minton served for more than 20 years in the United States Air Force, continuing to earn honors with the All-Air Force and All-Armed Forces teams. He was an alternate for the 1964 U.S. Olympic men’s basketball team.
“Basketball overall has been very good to me and my family my entire life. It’s something that I grew up with, playing all the way from age 8 through my time in the service,” said Minton.
“To be able to connect in a different way to the game and coaching, I knew what a difficult task coaches have, and I salute them. I could not have asked for a better profession, which introduced me to some of the best people in my life.”
What others are saying about Reggie Minton
Roy Williams, Head Coach, University of North Carolina
“I am very pleased that Reggie is finally going to completely retire. Most people that are 110 years old retire a lot earlier. Of course, that is said in jest and also love. Reggie Minton is a true coach. He never lost that regardless of what he was doing, and it is one of the reasons he is so well respected by all the coaches. He is a gentleman; he cares about the game and he cares about the coaches. It will be hard to find anybody who has a negative thing to say about Reggie Minton. When his name is mentioned it brings a smile to my face and that is a great legacy to have.”
Jim Boeheim, Head Coach, Syracuse University
“Reggie is a great friend who has done so much to support college coaches and elevate the entire game of basketball.”
Bill Self, Head Coach, University of Kansas
“Reggie Minton has been a great coach, great leader of men, a great family man and a great friend. He wanted the best for everyone he touched. He’s been a terrific ally for coaches in our profession and a role model to so many young coaches trying to find their way. Our profession is better because of Reggie being in it and the NABC will miss his vision and leadership.”
Ernie Kent, NABC Past President
“Reggie Minton has been outstanding for the NABC as a coach, mentor, leader and as a friend to so many. His 20 years of service have made the association better for all coaches and I wish nothing but the best for him and his family.”
Craig Robinson, NABC Executive Director
“I didn’t get to work with Reggie very long, but I have gotten to know him through my connection with the NABC. In my short time working with him, Reggie has been the consummate professional and a person I’ve been able to lean on. He has been a stalwart and staunch supporter of coaches at every level, as well as a treasure trove of historical information. We will miss his wit and charm but not for long as I hope he will stay connected as a member of the Association.”
Natalie Morrison, Strategic Director, Coaches vs. Cancer
“Reggie’s dedication to Coaches vs. Cancer helped to make the program what it is today for the NABC and the American Cancer Society. While Reggie will be missed, his impact on the fight against cancer will continue through the commitment of coaches across the nation to Coaches vs. Cancer. And that commitment saves lives. Reggie’s efforts over the years have made a remarkable impact in the fight to save lives. We are so fortunate to call Reggie a friend, a teammate and a coach.”
