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The Two Titans: Unpacking The Incredible Careers Of Baylor Basketball's Head Coaches, Scott Drew And Nicki Collen

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Few institutions in college sports can boast the dual-program success of Baylor University basketball, a phenomenon largely driven by the two masterful minds leading the men’s and women’s teams. As of December 20, 2025, the Baylor Bears are helmed by two of the most dynamic and accomplished coaches in the game: Scott Drew for the men's program and Nicki Collen for the women's program. Their combined leadership has cemented Waco, Texas, as a true epicenter of college hoops, blending Drew's championship pedigree and culture-building with Collen's modern, up-tempo style honed in the professional ranks of the WNBA.

The success of the 2025-26 season hinges on the continued excellence of these two head coaches, both of whom have navigated massive expectations and program transitions. Drew is a perennial contender in the restructured Big 12 Conference, while Collen is establishing her own legacy in the post-Kim Mulkey era, all while playing in the state-of-the-art Paul and Alejandra Foster Pavilion. This deep dive explores the current status, biographical highlights, and immense impact of the two most important figures in Baylor basketball today.

Scott Drew and Nicki Collen: A Dual-Program Biography

The story of "The Coach of Baylor Basketball" is actually a tale of two leaders, each with a unique path to national prominence. Scott Drew rebuilt the men's program from the ground up, while Nicki Collen brought a professional, championship-level perspective to the women's team.

Scott Drew (Men's Basketball Head Coach)

  • Full Name: Scott A. Drew
  • Date of Birth: October 23, 1970
  • Hometown: Kansas City, Missouri
  • Alma Mater: Butler University (1993)
  • Current Season: Entering his 23rd season (2025-26), making him the Big 12's longest-tenured head coach.
  • Career Record at Baylor: School-record 464+ victories.
  • Major Accomplishment: 2021 NCAA Men's Basketball National Champion.
  • NCAA Tournament Appearances: 13 total appearances, including five Sweet 16s and three Elite Eights.
  • Big 12 Titles: Three Regular Season Conference Championships.

Nicki Collen (Women's Basketball Head Coach)

  • Full Name: Nicole Suzanne Collen (née Taggart)
  • Date of Birth: May 13, 1975
  • Hometown: Grand Rapids, Michigan
  • Alma Mater: Marquette University (1998)
  • Current Season: Entering her fifth season at Baylor (2025-26).
  • WNBA Experience: Coached the Atlanta Dream (2018-2020).
  • Major Accomplishment: 2018 WNBA Coach of the Year.
  • Baylor Debut Success: Recorded the most wins by a rookie head coach in the country in her first season (2021-22).
  • Legacy: Successfully followed Hall of Fame coach Kim Mulkey, leading the program to continued national relevance.

Scott Drew's Unprecedented Program Rebuild and Championship Legacy

Scott Drew's tenure at Baylor is one of the most remarkable turnaround stories in college basketball history. He inherited a program in 2003 that was reeling from scandal, facing severe NCAA sanctions, and had only one NCAA Tournament appearance since 1950. His mission was not just to win, but to fundamentally rebuild the culture and integrity of Baylor men's basketball.

The payoff for his sustained effort arrived dramatically in 2021 when the Baylor Bears defeated undefeated Gonzaga to claim the program's first-ever NCAA National Championship. This single moment validated two decades of hard work, elite recruiting, and a commitment to his faith-based "Culture of JOY" (Jesus, Others, You).

Heading into the 2025-26 season, Drew is focused on integrating a new-look roster, which he has described as being filled with "energy givers." His ability to blend veteran leadership with impact transfers and highly-touted freshmen is a hallmark of his sustained success. The Bears are consistently ranked in the AP Top 25 and remain a formidable force in the Big 12, a conference that is arguably the toughest in the nation. Drew's longevity and success are a testament to his elite player development and his reputation as one of the best recruiters in the country, consistently bringing in top-tier talent to Waco.

Nicki Collen: Bringing WNBA Excellence to the Baylor Women's Program

Nicki Collen faced the daunting task of succeeding a legend in Kim Mulkey, who had delivered three national championships to Baylor. Collen, however, was uniquely prepared, having spent nine seasons in collegiate coaching before a successful stint in the WNBA, where she earned the 2018 WNBA Coach of the Year award with the Atlanta Dream.

Collen's arrival marked a new era for Baylor women's basketball, emphasizing a modern, fast-paced, and dynamic offensive system. She has quickly established her own blueprint, focusing on roster versatility and high-level execution. In her first season, she set a national record for wins by a rookie head coach, immediately silencing critics and proving the program was in capable hands.

The 2025-26 season is particularly exciting for the Lady Bears. Following a successful international trip to Paris, Collen's squad, which features a strong blend of returners and experienced transfers, has shown early signs of exceptional cohesion and chemistry. Her focus on staff and roster changes over the off-season underscores a commitment to continuous improvement and a drive to compete for the Big 12 title and a deep run in the NCAA Tournament. Collen's ability to navigate the pressures of a storied program while implementing a fresh, professional style of play makes her one of the most compelling coaches in the NCAA today.

The Expanding Influence: Drew's Coaching Tree and the New Foster Pavilion

The impact of Baylor basketball extends far beyond the court in Waco. Scott Drew’s influence on the broader college basketball landscape is evident through his rapidly expanding "coaching tree." This network of former assistants who have gone on to achieve head coaching success at other major programs is a clear indicator of the high-level talent development and mentorship happening at Baylor. Key names in the Drew coaching tree include:

  • Jerome Tang: Head Coach at Kansas State, who led the Wildcats to the Elite Eight.
  • Paul Mills: Head Coach at Wichita State, who was previously at Oral Roberts.
  • Matthew Driscoll: Head Coach at North Florida.
  • Grant McCasland: Head Coach at Texas Tech.

This group’s success solidifies Drew's reputation not just as a program builder, but as a leader of men who develops other elite coaches, a mark of a truly great mentor.

Both Drew and Collen benefit from one of the newest and most impressive facilities in college basketball: the Paul and Alejandra Foster Pavilion. Completed in 2024, this new arena serves as the home court for both the men's and women's teams. With over 7,000 seats, the Foster Pavilion was designed to create an intense, electric, and intimate atmosphere, significantly enhancing the home-court advantage for both Big 12 programs. The state-of-the-art facility is a powerful recruiting tool and a symbol of Baylor University's unwavering commitment to maintaining its elite status in college basketball, providing a championship-level environment for both Scott Drew and Nicki Collen to lead their respective teams.

The Two Titans: Unpacking the Incredible Careers of Baylor Basketball's Head Coaches, Scott Drew and Nicki Collen
coach of baylor basketball
coach of baylor basketball

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