PHILADELPHIA – In an exciting development for college basketball, Fran McCaffery has been appointed as the John R. Rockwell Head Coach of Men's Basketball at the University of Pennsylvania. This announcement comes from Alanna Wren, the T. Gibbs Kane, Jr. W'69 Director of Athletics and Recreation, and is set to be revealed during a press conference on April 7 at 10 a.m. at The Palestra.

This marks a triumphant return for McCaffery, who previously played for the Quakers as a guard from 1979 to 1982 after transferring from Wake Forest. Known affectionately as “White Magic,” he had a standout senior season, leading the Ivy League in assists (105) and steals (51). His leadership helped Penn secure three Ivy League titles during his time, as well as appearances in the NCAA Tournament.

“Fran brings a wealth of experience and passion,” said Wren. “His commitment to player development and fostering strong relationships with student-athletes is evident and is what we need to elevate our program.”

Upon his acceptance of the coaching role, McCaffery expressed his excitement about returning to his alma mater. “I have cherished memories of my time at Penn, and my vision is to restore the program to its former glory, while implementing an exciting brand of basketball at The Palestra,” he stated. He also thanked key university leaders for the opportunity.

McCaffery's impressive coaching résumé spans over four decades, including 29 years as a head coach at various institutions, most notably a successful 15-year tenure at the University of Iowa. There, he became the all-time winningest coach with 297 victories, making him one of only a few coaches to have earned conference tournament titles in multiple leagues. His overall record stands at 548-384, boasting significant turnaround success—transforming programs with poor previous seasons into NCAA tournament contenders.

His time at Iowa was marked by several noteworthy accomplishments, including leading the team to multiple NCAA appearances and high rankings in the national polls. Notably, Iowa was a scoring powerhouse under his guidance, frequently leading the Big Ten in scoring and rising to prominence with a fast-paced style of play that delighted fans.

In addition to his coaching acumen, McCaffery has demonstrated a robust commitment to community service. He and his family are avid supporters of Coaches vs. Cancer and the American Cancer Society, raising over $5 million since his tenure at Iowa. Their advocacy extends to supporting cancer programs and initiatives, showcasing a dedication that transcends the basketball court.

McCaffery returns to Philadelphia, where he originally honed his competitive spirit, and is ready to energize the Penn basketball community. He lives in the area with his wife, Margaret, and their four children, some of whom have played under his coaching at Iowa.

As fans prepare for the new chapter in Quaker basketball, excitement mounts for McCaffery's potential to not just revive the program, but also to create a new legacy. The basketball world is eager to see how his vision unfolds at The Palestra, a historic venue set to witness many thrilling games in the seasons to come.

Stay tuned for more updates on McCaffery's strategies and team developments as the new era at Penn basketball commences!