25. Jerry Tarkanian
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“Tark the Shark” was a virtual celebrity both within the sport and in the city of Las Vegas. He took a school without much of a history (UNLV) and transformed it overnight into a total sensation. While in Vegas, Tarkanian took the Runnin’ Rebels to four Final Four appearances.
In over 30 years of coaching in college, Tarkanian accumulated a 706-198 career record. From a style of play standpoint, he became a transcendent coach in terms of pushing the tempo and getting after the opposition. We also have to mention his proclivity for biting down on towels during periods of stress. It was an iconic move (to put it mildly).
