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What to know about Akron men's basketball head coach John Groce

Ben Leibowitz, Akron Beacon Journal
·3 min read

Akron Zips men's basketball coach John Groce guided his team to the program's sixth NCAA Tournament berth in history in 2024 following a wild win over Kent State in the MAC Tournament title game.

Groce was hired on as Akron Zips coach in April 2017, making the 2023-24 season his seventh at the helm in Northeast Ohio.

The 2024 March Madness berth marks his second since taking over for longtime Akron Zips men's hoops coach and Akron native Keith Dambrot, who recently announced his upcoming retirement after his wife was diagnosed with breast cancer.

Here's what college basketball fans should know about the Zips' head coach.

Akron Zips coach John Groce has seen consistent success in the MAC

During the 2019-20 season, Groce guided Akron to a 24-7 record and a Mid-American Conference regular season title. Unfortunately for Groce and his Zips, they were not able to compete in postseason March Madness due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Groce has won four MAC Tournament championships total dating back to his time as head coach of Ohio (2010 and 2012). His Zips won their first MAC title under Groce in 2022, advancing to the NCAA Tournament.

Akron entered that tourney as a No. 13 seed matched up against No. 4 seed UCLA. The Zips lost that Round of 64 matchup by a slim 57-53 margin.

Akron Zips head coach John Groce smiles as he speaks to his team and fans during the Akron Zips' watch party for the NCAA Tournament Selection Show at James A. Rhodes Arena, Sunday, March 17, 2024, in Akron, Ohio.
Akron Zips head coach John Groce smiles as he speaks to his team and fans during the Akron Zips' watch party for the NCAA Tournament Selection Show at James A. Rhodes Arena, Sunday, March 17, 2024, in Akron, Ohio.

His second MAC Tournament title with the Zips was the win against Kent State in 2024 that came down to a late, errant foul by the Golden Flashes.

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Entering the 2024 NCAA Tournament, Groce’s tenure with Akron boasts a record of 140-80 over the course of his seven seasons.

Where did John Groce coach basketball before his tenure with Akron Zips?

Illinois' head coach John Groce reacts in the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Minnesota at the Big Ten Conference tournament, Wednesday, March 9, 2016, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Kiichiro Sato)
Illinois' head coach John Groce reacts in the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Minnesota at the Big Ten Conference tournament, Wednesday, March 9, 2016, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Kiichiro Sato)

Prior to signing on with the Zips, Groce was the head coach at Illinois from 2012-2017. While with the Illini, Groce’s teams averaged 19 wins per season and made postseason appearances in four of his five years in Champaign, boasting a 95-75 overall record.

Prior to that, Groce had his first taste of MAC success with Ohio (his first head coaching position at the collegiate level) from 2008-2012.

Before his time at Ohio, Groce served as an assistant coach for Taylor University (where Groce played and graduated from), NC State, Butler, Xavier and Ohio State.

What is Akron Zips basketball coach John Groce's salary?

Akron coach John Groce proudly shows off the MAC Championship trophy after the Zips defeated Kent State in the Mid-American Conference Tournament championship game Saturday in Cleveland.
Akron coach John Groce proudly shows off the MAC Championship trophy after the Zips defeated Kent State in the Mid-American Conference Tournament championship game Saturday in Cleveland.

In April 2022, the University of Akron extended Groce's contract through the 2029-30 season.

Groce’s base salary of $650,000 remained the same, and, according to ESPN reporting, he can achieve retention bonuses of $75,000 in 2025 and 2028.

"He embodies Akron's ongoing commitment to the total development of our student-athletes," athletic director Charles Guthrie said at the time.

John Groce's brother Travis Steele is also an NCAA basketball coach

Miami (Ohio) head coach Travis Steele, front right, reacts during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Indiana, Sunday, Nov. 20, 2022, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Marc Lebryk)
Miami (Ohio) head coach Travis Steele, front right, reacts during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Indiana, Sunday, Nov. 20, 2022, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Marc Lebryk)

Groce's brother, Travis Steele, is the head men's basketball coach at Miami (OH).

The 2023-24 season with the RedHawks was his second at the helm.

John Groce has 3 children, oldest Conner plays basketball at Revere High School

Revere's Conner Groce celebrates after a first-half shot against Barberton, Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024.
Revere's Conner Groce celebrates after a first-half shot against Barberton, Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024.

Groce and his wife Allison have three children — Conner, Camden and Cate.

Conner Groce plays basketball for Revere High School.

"For me, this is super enjoyable," John Groce said after watching Conner play against Barberton on Feb. 13. "Unfortunately, with the way the MAC schedule is, I miss most of those opportunities. Whenever I get a chance to see him, it is pretty special, especially when he is a senior. I always try to remind him he is my favorite player. There isn't a player in the world that I enjoy watching play more than him."

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: John Groce of Akron is one of the MAC's top coaches. Get to know him