Akron coach John Groce 'not even thinking about' job market after loss

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Akron coach John Groce 'not even thinking about' job market after loss

Nate Ulrich, Akron Beacon Journal · Akron Beacon Journal

Fri, Mar 20, 2026 ·

4 min read

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TAMPA, Fla. — Akron Zips men's basketball coach John Groce understands college sports is a business, but he didn't want to shift the focus to a discussion about his future on the heels of UA's 91-71 loss to Texas Tech in a first-round Midwest Region matchup on Friday, March 20, at Benchmark International Arena.

Groce being linked by media to other head coaching jobs at Cincinnati, Butler and Boston College is a reflection of the success he has achieved in his nine seasons at the helm of Akron .

Akron basketball column: March Madness reaffirms Zips can build with Eric Mahaffey | Opinion

In a one-on-one interview after Akron was eliminated from March Madness, the Beacon Journal asked Groce whether he plans to interview elsewhere this offseason.

"What I would tell you is right now I'm not even thinking about that," Groce said. "I don't answer those questions, obviously, especially today when today's the day about our five seniors. This whole deal should be all about them and all about the team and the success that we've had. So, that's my comment at this time."

'He's meant everything.' John Groce makes big impact with Akron Zips basketball

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Akron vs. Texas Tech men's basketball, NCAA tournament photos

Mar 20, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders guard Christian Anderson (4) drives against Akron Zips guard Sharron Young (3) in the first half during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images

(Matt Pendleton, Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images)

Akron Zips guard Tavari Johnson (5) moves across the court against Kent State Golden Flashes guard Rob Whaley Jr. (2) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in the semifinals of the MAC Basketball Tournament at Rocket Arena, March 13, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Jeff Lange / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)

Mar 20, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders guard Christian Anderson (4) dribbles against Akron Zips forward Amani Lyles (0) in the first half during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
(Matt Pendleton, Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images)

Mar 20, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders guard Christian Anderson (4) shoots against Akron Zips guard Sharron Young (3) in the first half during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
(Matt Pendleton, Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images)

Mar 20, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; Akron Zips head coach John Groce calls timeout in the first half against the Texas Tech Red Raiders during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
(Matt Pendleton, Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images)

Mar 20, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; Akron Zips guard Eric Mahaffey (4) rebounds against Texas Tech Red Raiders forward Lejuan Watts (3) in the first half during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
(Matt Pendleton, Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images)

Mar 20, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders forward Josiah Moseley (5) shoots against Akron Zips guard Eric Mahaffey (4) in the first half during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
(Matt Pendleton, Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images)

Mar 20, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; Akron Zips guard Eric Mahaffey (4), forward Amani Lyles (0) and Texas Tech Red Raiders forward Lejuan Watts (3) chase a loose ball in the first half during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
(Nathan Ray Seebeck, Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images)

Mar 20, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; Akron Zips forward Amani Lyles (0) passes in the first half against the Texas Tech Red Raiders during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
(Matt Pendleton, Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images)

Mar 20, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; Akron Zips forward Amani Lyles (0) and Texas Tech Red Raiders forward Lejuan Watts (3) chase a loose ball in the first half during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
(Nathan Ray Seebeck, Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images)

Mar 20, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders guard Christian Anderson (4) shoots against Akron Zips guard Eric Mahaffey (4) in the first half during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
(Matt Pendleton, Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images)

Mar 20, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders forward Donovan Atwell (12) shoots against Akron Zips forward Amani Lyles (0) in the first half during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
(Matt Pendleton, Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images)

Mar 20, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; Akron Zips guard Tavari Johnson (5) drives against Texas Tech Red Raiders forward Lejuan Watts (3) and guard Christian Anderson (4) in the first half during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
(Nathan Ray Seebeck, Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images)

Mar 20, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; Akron Zips guard Evan Mahaffey (12) shoots against Texas Tech Red Raiders forward Luke Bamgboye (9) in the first half during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
(Matt Pendleton, Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images)

Mar 20, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; Akron Zips cheerleaders in the first half against the Texas Tech Red Raiders during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
(Matt Pendleton, Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images)

Mar 20, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders forward Lejuan Watts (3) shoots against Akron Zips forward Amani Lyles (0) in the first half during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
(Matt Pendleton, Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images)

Mar 20, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; Akron Zips guard Zach Halligan (21) looks to pass against Texas Tech Red Raiders guard Christian Anderson (4) in the first half during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
(Matt Pendleton, Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images)

Mar 20, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders forward Donovan Atwell (12) defends Akron Zips guard Tavari Johnson (5) in the first half during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
(Matt Pendleton, Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images)

Mar 20, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; Akron Zips guard Tavari Johnson (5) drives against Texas Tech Red Raiders forward Donovan Atwell (12) in the first half during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
(Nathan Ray Seebeck, Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images)

Mar 20, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders guard Christian Anderson (4) shoots against Akron Zips guard Evan Mahaffey (12) in the first half during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
(Matt Pendleton, Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images)

Mar 20, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders guard Jaylen Petty (11) drives against Akron Zips forward Amani Lyles (0) in the first half during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
(Matt Pendleton, Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images)

Mar 20, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders forward Lejuan Watts (3) drives against Akron Zips guard Zach Halligan (21) in the first half during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
(Matt Pendleton, Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images)

Mar 20, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; Akron Zips guard Shammah Scott (1) drives against Texas Tech Red Raiders forward Lejuan Watts (3) in the first half during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
(Nathan Ray Seebeck, Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images)

Mar 20, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; Akron Zips forward Amani Lyles (0) blocks Texas Tech Red Raiders forward Luke Bamgboye (9) in the first half during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
(Matt Pendleton, Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images)

Mar 20, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; Akron Zips guard Shammah Scott (1) drives against Texas Tech Red Raiders forward Luke Bamgboye (9) in the first half during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
(Nathan Ray Seebeck, Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images)

Mar 20, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; Akron Zips guard Tavari Johnson (5) drives in the first half against the Texas Tech Red Raiders during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
(Nathan Ray Seebeck, Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images)

Mar 20, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders guard Jaylen Petty (11) drives against Akron Zips guard Sharron Young (3) in the first half during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
(Matt Pendleton, Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images)

Mar 20, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders guard Jaylen Petty (11) shoots against Akron Zips forward Amani Lyles (0) in the first half during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
(Matt Pendleton, Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images)

Mar 20, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders head coach Grant McCasland in the first half against the Akron Zips during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
(Nathan Ray Seebeck, Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images)

Mar 20, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders head coach Grant McCasland yells in the first half against the Akron Zips during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
(Matt Pendleton, Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images)

Mar 20, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; Akron Zips guard Shammah Scott (1) drives against Texas Tech Red Raiders guard Tyeree Bryan (1) in the first half during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
(Nathan Ray Seebeck, Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images)

Mar 20, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; Akron Zips guard Evan Mahaffey (12) dribbles against Texas Tech Red Raiders forward Donovan Atwell (12) in the first half during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
(Matt Pendleton, Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images)

Mar 20, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; Akron Zips guard Shammah Scott (1) shoots against Texas Tech Red Raiders forward Josiah Moseley (5) in the first half during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
(Nathan Ray Seebeck, Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images)

Mar 20, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; Akron Zips guard Shammah Scott (1) shoots against Texas Tech Red Raiders guard Tyeree Bryan (1) in the first half during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
(Matt Pendleton, Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images)

Mar 20, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; Akron Zips guard Shammah Scott (1) reacts after a basket against the Texas Tech Red Raiders in the first half during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
(Matt Pendleton, Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images)

Mar 20, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; Akron Zips guard Shammah Scott (1) drives against Texas Tech Red Raiders forward Donovan Atwell (12) in the first half during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
(Nathan Ray Seebeck, Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images)

Mar 20, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders forward Lejuan Watts (3) drives against Akron Zips forward Amani Lyles (0) in the first half during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
(Matt Pendleton, Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images)

Mar 20, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders forward Lejuan Watts (3) defends Akron Zips guard Evan Mahaffey (12) in the first half during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
(Matt Pendleton, Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images)

Mar 20, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders guard Christian Anderson (4) drives against Akron Zips guard Tavari Johnson (5) in the first half during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
(Matt Pendleton, Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images)

Mar 20, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders forward Donovan Atwell (12) and forward Lejuan Watts (3) defend Akron Zips guard Evan Mahaffey (12) in the first half during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
(Matt Pendleton, Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images)

Mar 20, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders guard Jaylen Petty (11) shoots against Akron Zips guard Evan Mahaffey (12) in the first half during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
(Matt Pendleton, Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images)

During Groce's Akron tenure, he has compiled a record of 197-94, including 114-50 in the Mid-American Conference. He is ranked third in program history for most wins, trailing only Akron native Keith Dambrot (305-139 from 2005-17) and Russell Beichly (288-144 from 1941-59).

Simply put, Groce is among the best mid-major coaches in the nation.

"He's meant everything," Akron senior point guard Tavari Johnson said. "He's believed in me from the start, built great confidence in me. He wants to see me succeed off the court, and I can tell it's really genuine. It's true love. I'm forever in debt with him, and I'll forever have a crazy amount of love for John Groce. He really changed my life."

The Zips won four MAC Tournament titles (2022, '24, '25 and '26) and thereby advanced to the NCAA Tournament four times in a span of five years under Groce. They lost in the first round each time, falling 57-53 to fourth-seeded UCLA as a No. 13 seed on March 17, 2022, 77-60 to third-seeded Creighton as a No. 14 seed on March 21, 2024, 93-65 to fourth-seeded Arizona as a No. 13 seed on March 21, 2025, and 91-71 to fifth-seeded Texas Tech as a No. 12 seed on March 20.

More March Madness: Akron Zips threaten Texas Tech in NCAA Tournament before falling apart

Akron Zips coach John Groce watches the action against the Texas Tech Red Raiders during an NCAA Tournament first-round game March 20, 2026, in Tampa, Florida.

This year, Akron became the first men's team to three-peat as the MAC Tournament champion and just the second to win four MAC tourney crowns in five seasons. UA also set the single-season program record for wins in 2025-26, when the Zips finished 29-6. They also went 17-1 in the MAC for the second consecutive season.

"He's one of the best coaches in the country, an amazing mentor on and off the court," Akron senior guard Bowen Hardman said. "He's just full of energy, not just in the game of basketball, but in life. And growing as a man, he's definitely taught me a lot, and I know he's definitely meant a lot for the university and the program."

Groce, 54, has been a head coach for 18 seasons, racking up a career record of 377-225, including 4-7 in the NCAA Tournament.

College basketball column: Zips coach John Groce has established himself as Akron legend | Opinion

Akron Zips coach John Groce, left, and Texas Tech Red Raiders coach Grant McCasland shake hands after an NCAA Tournament first-round game March 20, 2026, in Tampa, Florida.

Before Akron, Groce coached Ohio (85-56 from 2008-12) and Illinois (95-75 from 2012-17). Groce led Ohio into March Madness twice and Illinois once. In 2012, Ohio advanced to the Sweet 16 as a No. 13 seed under Groce.

In 2025, Akron extended Groce's contract until June 30, 2035. His base salary and supplemental compensation combines for $850,000 a year.

Groce's oldest son, Conner, joined the Zips in 2024 as a walk-on after graduating from Revere High School and remains on the roster.

Akron is hopeful it can retain Groce for a 10th season, yet the business of college sports must play out.

Nate Ulrich is the sports columnist of the Akron Beacon Journal and a sports features writer. Nate can be reached at nulrich@thebeaconjournal.com . On Twitter: @ByNateUlrich .

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: John Groce 'not even thinking about' coaching jobs after March Madness

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