Notre Dame’s head coach, Niele Ivey, stands out on the basketball sidelines not just for her coaching prowess but also for her sense of fashion. While many coaches have embraced more casual attire during games—a trend that gained momentum during the COVID-19 pandemic—Ivey remains committed to the stylish tradition she learned during her early coaching days at Notre Dame.
“I was heavily influenced by Coach Muffet McGraw and her staff, who always dressed up for games,” Ivey explained. “Dressing up is part of Notre Dame’s culture and the style I’ve grown accustomed to over the years.” Ivey’s dedication to her fashion roots echoes the approach of other standout coaches like LSU’s Kim Mulkey, Alabama’s Nate Oats, and South Carolina’s Dawn Staley, who favor distinctive styles in a sea of polo shirts and quarter-zip pullovers.
On the men’s side, certain coaches maintain the tradition of dressing impeccably on the sidelines, reminiscent of legendary figures like John Wooden and John Thompson. Alabama’s Nate Oats often catches attention with his colorful sports coats, evoking memories of Crimson Tide’s former coach Wimp Sanderson. Meanwhile, Buzz Williams of Texas A&M and Rick Pitino, now with St. John’s, were among the notable stylish presences before they were eliminated from the tournament.
Buzz Williams sees his sartorial choices as a personal passion rather than a duty. “I don’t engage in typical hobbies like fishing or golfing,” he mentioned, explaining his fondness for dressing up. “Fashion has always been a hobby for me.” In contrast, some coaches, like Auburn’s Bruce Pearl, have opted for comfort over formality, ditching suits entirely. For Pearl, the discomfort associated with traditional suits makes casual attire more appealing on the sidelines.
For Ivey and Pitino, however, dressing up remains a matter of personal conviction. Rick Pitino, with his long-standing reputation for dressing in stylish suits, remains committed to this tradition. He has had a significant influence on those around him, including UCLA’s Mick Cronin and Maryland’s Kevin Willard, former assistants who have adopted the formal style.
Pitino recently made headlines with his striking all-white Armani suit during St. John’s whiteout event at Madison Square Garden. The outfit, reminiscing of his days at Kentucky, was more than just a fashion statement; it was his way of engaging with fans and creating memorable moments. “It’s a fun connection with the fans and the student body,” he remarked.
In the evolving fashion trends on the sidelines, Ivey sees an opportunity for coaches to convey their personalities. “Fashion allows us to display our personality,” Ivey said. “I feel great when I look great, and that translates into a powerful presence on the sidelines.” Meanwhile, Houston’s Kelvin Sampson, who used to don suits for years, has since opted for more comfortable attire, albeit with a friendly nudge to avoid sweatpants from fellow coaches.
Among female coaches, icons like Dawn Staley and Kim Mulkey have made fashion an integral part of their game-day presence. Staley, with her back-to-back national titles, has become a style influencer, admired not just for her coaching success but for her comfortable yet chic attire. Mulkey’s bold and unpredictable game-day outfits have become almost as discussed as her coaching tactics.
Kim Barnes Arico, Michigan’s coach, admits to sharing a light-hearted camaraderie with Mulkey over fashion. “Whenever we compete, I wonder about her outfit choices,” Barnes Arico revealed. “It’s entertaining for fans and it also becomes a fun, engaging moment for our players to enjoy and connect with. But I’ll confess, I’m not Mulkey. I’m just the other Kim,” she chuckled.
For Niele Ivey, maintaining Notre Dame’s fashion legacy brings a sense of pride. “I choose clothing that makes me feel empowered and confident,” Ivey stated. “It’s fun, but more importantly, it enhances my presence and reflects the ethos I carry from my time with this program.”