Tom Davis

While at Iowa, he led the Hawkeyes to nine NCAA Tournaments, including a pair of Sweet Sixteen appearances as well as an Elite Eight. The Hawkeyes also made two NIT appearances. He is the winningest coach in the University of Iowa history, with an overall record of 270-139, and 126-104 in the Big Ten conference.

His team was ranked number one during the 1986-87 season. The Hawkeyes won a school record 30 games before eventually being beaten in the Regional Final of the NCAA Tournament by UNLV 84-81. He was named Associated Press National Coach of the Year, and Big Ten Coach of the Year.

On April 2, 1998, after Iowa lost in the first round of the NIT, Davis announced that he would resign after his contract would expire in the following season. Athletic director Bob Bowlsby notified Davis that he would not renew his contract. In Davis's final season, Iowa advanced to the Sweet 16 round of the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 1988.

In 2008, he was inducted into the University of Iowa Athletics Hall of Fame.

HEAD COACH SEASONS

1986-1987 Basketball
1987-1988 Basketball
1988-1989 Basketball
1989-1990 Basketball
1990-1991 Basketball
1991-1992 Basketball
1992-1993 Basketball
1993-1994 Basketball
1994-1995 Basketball
1995-1996 Basketball

1996-1997 Basketball
1997-1998 Basketball
1998-1999 Basketball

VIDEOS

Tom Davis reflects on Iowa coaching career

1986 Iowa Hawkeyes Basketball Film

Tom Davis - Post-Game interview after UConn loss in 1999

Coach Dr. Tom Davis joins Pat Harty and Tom Suter

Sports Opinion with special guest Dr. Tom Davis

Dr. Tom: A Class Act (Part 4)

Dr. Tom: A Class Act (Part 3)

Dr. Tom: A Class Act (Part 2)

Dr. Tom: A Class Act (Part 1)

Dr. Tom Davis - 2008 Robert D. Ray Pillar of Character Award Recipient

BOOKS and MOVIES

FAMOUS QUOTES from Tom Davis

Itâ€™s so deep, I donâ€™t know if I can do it justice. The bigger questions Iâ€™ll try to answer when this is over, and it can be over at any moment. It was almost over today.
...from Iowa vs. Arkansas on 3/13/1999 - When asked to describe his feelings about his retirement at the end of the season. - Link to source

I have to give Ray Thompson a lot of credit. He carried our defense with seven rebounds and added a three-pointer. I think this is the most determined I've seen Ray play.
About Ray Thompson ...from Iowa vs. Iowa State on 12/7/1989 - Discussing the play of Ray Thompson and his 32 points - Link to source

Jess (Settles) is trying to do all the little things that he knows can help take himself beyond where he currently is. You just have to hope for the best and hope his body holds up. He tries real hard, and I admire him for his effort. Sometime he tries too hard. But it is because he cares so much and wants his team to do well and wants to do the best that he can possibly do.
About Jess Settles 3/9/1999...

FAMOUS QUOTES about Tom Davis

Coach Davis, he was amazing. Amazing to me. Amazing to my family. Tremendous communicator. He always shot me straight. He shot everybody straight. He had great leadership qualities. He pushed us, he hugged us, he told us what we needed to hear. I had a very enjoyable four years there [Iowa]. I owe them, and all of those people there, so much. - Link to source
B.J. Armstrong on 6/1/2023...