Holloway Wins Fourth Coaching Award, Named ECAC Coach of the Year

The Eastern College Athletic Conference announced its 2026 Division I men’s basketball All-ECAC teams and major award winners on Wednesday. Seton Hall head coach Shaheen Holloway was named ECAC Coach of the Year.

The ECAC has operated since 1938. It oversees championships, leagues, and tournaments across three NCAA divisions in the Northeast. The conference lists more than 200 member schools, including Seton Hall.

Awards and recognition

The honor is Holloway’s fourth coaching award this season. He previously earned the AP BIG EAST Coach of the Year distinction. He was also named NABC Mid-Atlantic District Co-Coach of the Year. Polls and league voters had made him the unanimous BIG EAST Coach of the Year.

Season turnaround and statistics

Holloway guided the Pirates to the biggest single-season turnaround in program history. Seton Hall won 21 games this year after winning seven the year before. That 14-win improvement ranked second-best nationwide.

The Pirates recorded 20 regular-season wins and finished fourth in the BIG EAST standings. That placement secured a first-round bye in the conference tournament. Despite 21 total wins, the team did not receive an NCAA Tournament bid.

Reaction and postseason decision

Holloway expressed clear disappointment with the NCAA selection outcome. He said he believed the team had done enough to qualify.

The program declined invitations to all non-NCAA postseason tournaments. That included offers such as the College Basketball Crown Tournament. Instead, the staff moved quickly to plan for the offseason.

Offseason priorities

Retention of the current roster tops Holloway’s offseason list. Adding reliable 3-point shooters through the transfer portal is also a priority. Coaching staff work will focus on recruitment and development ahead of next season.

Source and coverage

This report is based on conference announcements and coach statements. Zachary Mawby is listed as head editor of the Filmogaz.com sports section and contributed reporting for this story.