Ahead of his debut as Quakers head coach on Nov. 7, the 1982 Wharton alumnus talks about returning to campus, the upcoming season, and how Wharton prepared him for success.
2 min. read
Since he played for the Quakers in the early 1980s, Fran McCaffery has channeled a 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. In March, McCaffery was named coach of the Penn Quakers men’s basketball team.
Ahead of the season opener on Nov. 7, McCaffery reflects on returning to his home court, his coaching inspiration, and his deep roots in Philly. “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?’” McCaffery says. He adds, “Love our team and love my staff. The administration has been really supportive, and so have our alums and our former players.”
McCaffery lays out his vision for working with the men’s team. “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.”
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