The head coach’s office at Penn has a giant window overlooking a practice basketball court. Fran McCaffery W82 sat opposite that window for this interview. That’s fitting, because he rarely takes his eyes off the ball.
Since he played for the Quakers in the early 1980s, McCaffery has channeled that laser focus into building a winning career in college basketball. He was head coach for UNC Greensboro, Siena, and most recently Iowa, where he earned the distinctions of becoming the Hawkeyes’ all-time wins leader (272 wins) and longest-tenured coach (15 years).
In March, McCaffery was named coach of the Penn Quakers men’s basketball team. Ahead of the season opener on November 7, McCaffery spoke to Wharton Magazine on returning to his home court, his coaching inspiration, and his deep roots in Philly.
Wharton Magazine: How does it feel to be back on campus?
Fran McCaffery: It’s an amazing feeling to be back. When you enter this profession, you never know if you’re going to get that opportunity. It’s in the back of your mind no matter where you go. You think, “Hey, wouldn’t it be special to be back at my alma mater?” So I’m just so excited to be here. Love our team and love my staff. The administration has been really supportive, and so have our alums and our former players. A lot of excitement.
WM: What did you miss most about Penn?
FM: Well, it’s a little different for me, because not only did I go here and play here; I’m from Philadelphia: I grew up being a fan of the Big Five, going to Big Five doubleheaders, and hoping one day to be able to play here. Then I was able to do that. So now to coach here, at what we all know as the “cathedral of college basketball,” is an unbelievable feeling.
WM: What are some of your favorite memories from when you played for the Quakers?
FM: There are so many. We had great wins. The Final Four run [in 1979] — I was a red-shirt member of that team. And then my senior year, we had one of the most unique seasons of any team ever. The goal was to get to the tournament, which we did, but we started the season 3-and-0. We’d lose nine in a row, go 3-9, won 14 in a row, and go to the NCAA tournament. And just the way that team stayed together, the job that Coach [Bob] Weinhauer did with that team, was really amazing. Looking back, a lot of teams lose nine in a row and just cave for the rest of the year. We were losing close games, we were fighting, and we eventually started winning all those games. That was fun.
As Penn’s point guard in 1982-83, McCaffery led the Ivy League in assists and steals.
WM: Did you take anything from his coaching style to yours?
FM: Well, he’s the reason I am coaching. I loved playing for him. I felt like his knowledge of the game and how he taught the game was something that made us all better. But how he dealt with us, how he was demanding but fair, knowing how hard to push us and when to push us, was a gift that he had. That’s why he had so much success. And so I really followed his lead.
WM: When you accepted the position, what were you most excited about?
FM: Just getting back to Philly, being from here.
WM: You moved back in part to be closer to your older brother Jack, a former sports columnist for the Delaware County Daily Times. You also coached your sons when you led the Iowa Hawkeyes. How have you prioritized your family throughout your career?
FM: The support that I get from my wife, Margaret, is the main reason I’ve had success. And my two oldest boys, Connor and Patrick — it was such an honor to coach them. It was an incredible feeling in 2022 when we won the Big Ten championship [at Iowa]. Both were prominent members of that team celebrating on the floor.
And then moving back here — my brothers live here, and [Jack] had some health issues — to be able to be around him and have him be around us. He’s in a wheelchair now, so it’s a little bit harder for him. My staff has been really helpful in creating opportunities for him to get into the building.
WM: Where do you see an opportunity for improvement with the team?
FM: Of course, everybody’s new as it relates to the coaching staff. But they’ve adapted well, and they’re learning. The number one place to start is: Are they going to work? This team has proven not only they’re going to work; they’re enthusiastic, and they’re incredibly positive and very supportive of each other. That’s what any coach wants to see.
WM: How has college basketball changed since your first head coaching job in 1985?
FM: I don’t think it’s changed that much. I mean, some of the rules changed. You’re seeing way more three-point shooting now. But I recruit the same way. I coach the same way, expect the same things from my guys. The rules we adapt to — whether it be the recruiting rules, or now you have NIL [Name, Image, Likeness] opportunities for the players — we just deal with that as they come. But the game, in its purest sense, is still teaching fundamentals, getting your team to play together, to play both ends of the floor, to get young people to accept their roles and responsibilities. And ultimately, you want them to have success and have fun playing the game they love.
WM: What are some lessons from Wharton that stayed with you?
FM: The thing about Wharton for me was, it was a challenge, because you’re with just incredibly smart people. Paul Taubman [W82, PJT Partners founder, chairman and CEO] was one of my roommates. He’s one of the most successful people in the world of business. I had the opportunity to be in class with, to learn from, study with incredibly brilliant people. And there’s no way you can look at any success I’ve had in basketball and not think that those experiences here clearly had something to do with it.
WM: What are you looking forward to most at opening night at the Palestra on November 7?
FM: Move the ball, get good shots, share the ball, support each other. We’re always going to be an up-tempo team. And when you play that way, you’ve got to make sure that you’re playing the game the right way.
