Former Men's Basketball Coach Tony Barone Passes Away

OMAHA, Neb. -- Tony Barone, the Creighton men's basketball coach from 1985-91 and a 2015 inductee into the Creighton Athletics Hall of Fame, passed away on Tuesday, June 25th. He was 72.

Barone compiled a 102-82 record in six seasons as head coach of the Bluejays from 1985-91. His teams won MVC regular-season and MVC Tournament titles in both 1988-89 and 1990-91, and he was named MVC Coach of the Year in 1988-89. Barone led the Bluejays to two NCAA Tournaments, and his 1990-91 team won the program's first NCAA Tournament game since 1973-74. He also led the 1989-90 team to the NIT as part of a then-unprecedented three straight 20-win seasons in his final three years.

Barone got his coaching start in 1972 at his alma mater, Duke. He later serve as an assistant coach at Bradley from 1978-85 before arriving in Omaha for his first head coaching job at Creighton. Barone was hired as Texas A&M head coach in 1991 and wrapped up his career on the college sideline in 1998 with 178 Division I victories.

He later served as Director of Player Personnel for the NBA's Memphis Grizzlies, and was named interim coach for 52 games during the 2006-07 campaign.

Barone is survived by his wife Kathy and children Tony Jr., Amy and Brian.

"Tony Barone made a tremendous impact on Creighton Athletics and the young men within our men's basketball program. We are saddened by his death and are thinking of Kathy, Tony Jr., Amy and Brian and the rest of the Barone family during this time." - Creighton Athletics

Our deepest sympathies are with the entire Barone family at this time as we mourn the passing of our friend and coach, Tony Barone Sr.

All-Heart ?? ?? pic.twitter.com/lmiM2t7JnT
— Memphis Grizzlies (@memgrizz) June 26, 2019

RIP Tony Barone, Sr., a great basketball man, and a beloved figure in the game. Nobody loved it more. https://t.co/brJKSJ8KlP
— Jay Bilas (@JayBilas) June 26, 2019

It is with great sadness that we have learned that Creighton Athletics Hall of Famer Tony Barone has passed away peacefully at the age of 72. He will be dearly missed by his Creighton family. pic.twitter.com/4WMs2iIkTV
— Creighton Bluejays (@gocreighton) June 26, 2019

What an honor it was to be coached and serve on the staff of Coach Tony Barone. His attention to detail, tough love and the importance of building a basketball family culture have served as staples in my coaching experience. Rest well, Coach B! Thank you for the blueprint! pic.twitter.com/NQ0FqwpcXO
— Reggie Morris (@mentormorris32) June 26, 2019

Extremely tough day losing my Coach & Mentor Tony Barone. Coach B impacted my life for over 30 years. He has been at the center of some of the best times of my life. He gave me the opportunity to play college ?? and coach college ??. 1/2 pic.twitter.com/HqnfWEKQOD
— Porter Moser (@PorterMoser) June 26, 2019

Sincere condolences to the family of former Creighton Coach Tony Barone. It was an honor to get to know him the last decade. The respect and appreciation that his former players had for him speaks volumes of the man he was. Rest In Peace, Coach.
— Coach McDermott (@cucoachmac) June 27, 2019

Tony Barone, one of the true Basketball Bennies and a bball lifer, passed away at age 72. He's coached at the college & NBA level. We worked together when I was at Memphis and he was with the @memgrizz. Just a good guy who loved basketball & loved to be around basketball people.
— John Calipari (@UKCoachCalipari) June 26, 2019

A few more stories about former #Jays basketball coach Tony Barone pic.twitter.com/K0L35uPuvB
— Jon Nyatawa (@JonNyatawa) June 28, 2019

R.I.P. Coach B and condolences to the Barone Family. Honored to be a part of your 20/20/20 ?@BluejayMBB? teams. We "Accepted the Challenge" then and now as you pass the torch to us...???? pic.twitter.com/XhqBczBJeO
— Chris Rodgers (@ctoddrodgers) June 26, 2019

Former Men's Basketball Coach Tony Barone Passes Away

Related Videos