Digger Phelps

Richard "Digger" Phelps compiled a 393-197 record in 20 years at the helm of Notre Dame's basketball program, becoming the winningest coach in Fighting Irish history. Fourteen of his teams advanced to the NCAA Tournament, including the 1977-78 team that reached the Final Four. Phelps's Irish teams beat a record seven teams that were ranked number one in the nation, including the 71-70 victory over UCLA on January 19, 1974, that ended the Bruins' record 88-game winning streak. Since his...See more

Richard "Digger" Phelps compiled a 393-197 record in 20 years at the helm of Notre Dame's basketball program, becoming the winningest coach in Fighting Irish history. Fourteen of his teams advanced to the NCAA Tournament, including the 1977-78 team that reached the Final Four. Phelps's Irish teams beat a record seven teams that were ranked number one in the nation, including the 71-70 victory over UCLA on January 19, 1974, that ended the Bruins' record 88-game winning streak. Since his retirement from coaching he has worked in President George H.W. Bush's White House administration (1992-93) and provided commentary on college basketball for CBS and ESPN. He is now in his 12th season working for ESPN. See less