Ed Cooley, who led the Providence Friars to a Big East regular-season championship and the Sweet 16, was named the Naismith Men's College Coach of the Year on Sunday.
Cooley defeated fellow finalists Mark Adams of Texas Tech, Greg Gard of Wisconsin and Tommy Lloyd of Arizona for the award.
"First, I want to thank the Naismith Awards and those of you who voted that saw something special in our group," Cooley said. "Secondly, I think the Werner Ladder Naismith Coach of the Year is not an individual award, but the highest team award. I am thankful for my team who showed dedication and perseverance this season.