Could this be the year Lehigh University parts ways with its longest-tenured men's basketball coach? After nearly two decades, the pressure is mounting on Brett Reed as the 2025-26 season gets underway. While his legacy is secure, the burning question is: can he recapture the magic that once defined Lehigh basketball?
Reed has been at the helm of the Lehigh Mountain Hawks since the 2007-08 season, a remarkable run characterized by stability and moments of brilliance. His early years saw the Hawks soar, securing NCAA Tournament berths in two of his first five seasons. Most notably, there was that unforgettable 2012 upset victory over Duke – a moment etched in college basketball history. But here's where it gets controversial... It's been over a decade since Lehigh last danced in March, and in the increasingly cutthroat world of college sports, that's a long time.
A Foundation Built on Loyalty and a Landmark Upset
Reed's record speaks for itself: one Patriot League regular-season title and two tournament championships, amassing an overall record of 287-258, all while leading Lehigh. The 53-year-old Reed, hailing from Waterford, Michigan, honed his skills as a point guard at Eckerd College before climbing the coaching ladder at Oakland Community College, UNC Greensboro, and High Point. He eventually landed at Lehigh as an assistant coach in 2002, setting the stage for his long tenure as head coach.
And this is the part most people miss... Reed isn't just a coach; he's become synonymous with Lehigh basketball. His commitment to the program is undeniable.
Reliving the Duke Shockwave
Reed's crowning achievement undoubtedly remains the 2012 NCAA Tournament. After clinching the Patriot League title, Lehigh delivered a seismic shock to the college basketball world, stunning the seemingly invincible Duke Blue Devils with a 75-70 victory. It was a David-versus-Goliath moment, instantly becoming one of the biggest upsets in tournament lore and solidifying itself as the program's proudest moment. Their Cinderella run ended in the second round against Xavier, while Kentucky ultimately captured the national championship that year. Imagine the energy on that court!
The Quest for a New Era of Success
Since their third-place finish in the Patriot League in 2022-23, the Mountain Hawks have experienced a decline. They've posted a 15-21 record over the past two seasons, including an 11-19 campaign last year that culminated in a first-round loss to Loyola Maryland. This downturn in performance has undoubtedly added pressure on Reed to turn things around quickly.
Despite these recent struggles, Reed's tenure is a testament to loyalty and consistency – rare commodities in today's volatile college sports landscape. But in the age of the transfer portal, where players can switch teams with relative ease, and with expectations constantly rising, patience is wearing thin.
A Challenging Path Ahead
Lehigh's 2025-26 schedule presents a formidable challenge. The Hawks kick off the season on November 3 against powerhouse Houston, the previous year's national runner-up, before returning home to host Valley Forge on November 6. Early-season tests against West Virginia and Rutgers will quickly reveal whether Reed's team is ready to compete at a high level or still undergoing a rebuilding phase. These games will be crucial in setting the tone for the entire season.
As the season dawns, Brett Reed's legacy at Lehigh is undeniably secure, a testament to his dedication and the program's historic highs. But the urgency to replicate that 2012 magic, to deliver another unforgettable moment, has never been greater. The question remains: can Reed adapt to the modern college basketball landscape and lead Lehigh back to the NCAA Tournament? Or is it time for a change? What do you think? Is loyalty enough in today's college basketball environment, or is winning the only thing that matters? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
