Bodog Beat

A great college basketball team starts with a great front office. (AP Images)

Here are five proven coaches who are worth a closer look at the NCAA men’s Tournament:

Bill Self, Kansas: Coach of the reigning national champions; first in the Big 12 standings despite huge personnel changes from last year.

Roy Williams, North Carolina: Took the Tar Heels to the title in 2005; was named AP Coach of the Year in 1992 (with Kansas) and 2006.

John Calipari, Memphis: The only man on this list without a national championship, although the Tigers have reached the Elite Eight three years running.

Mike Krzyzewski, Duke: Led the Blue Devils to three titles and 10 Final Four appearances. Was a captain in the Army, where he played point guard in the late 1960s.

Rick Pitino, Louisville: Won a championship with Kentucky in 1996. One of the first to recognize the value of the 3-pointer.