By Daily Mail (U.S.) | Created at 2026-06-20 18:30:28 | Updated at 2026-06-23 18:10:04
3 days ago
Gene Bess, the winningest coach in college basketball history, has passed away at age 91, his family has announced on social media.
'This morning at 4:00am my dad went to be with Jesus,' Gene's son and former assistant Brian wrote on Facebook. 'We are making arrangements and will let you know when we will celebrate.'
Bess is survived by his wife of 65 years, Nelda, their children Janell Hartmann and Brian, as well as four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
A long-time high school coach in the Ozarks, Bess arrived at NJCAA school Three Rivers College in 1970 as an assistant coach before taking over the program a year later and remaining in that position until 2020.
Over five decades on the Poplar Bluff, Missouri campus, Bess went 1,300–416, accumulating more wins than anyone, including current Connecticut women's coach Geno Auriemma (1,288) and legendary Duke men's coach, Mike Krzyzewski (1,202). The Raiders won a pair of NJCAA national championships under Bess in 1979 and 1992.
Bess famously coached Latrell Sprewell at Three Rivers before the future NBA star transferred to Alabama on his way to stardom in Golden State, New York and Minnesota.
Gene Bess poses for a portrait during the Class of 2023 Tip-Off Celebration and Awards Gala as part of the 2023 Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony
Gene Bess and Bill Walton attend the 2023 Naismith Hall of Fame Announcement
In 2023, Bess was inducted into the James Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts, becoming the first junior college head coach to receive the honor. During the speech, he made sure to thank his wife, Nelda, and son, Brian, for their roles in his success.
'I cannot express enough how honored and humbled I am to be here,' he said in a pre-recorded acceptance speech. 'In my wildest dreams, I never thought I would be in front of you all today. Thank you to my presenters, the Naismith Hall of Fame, and my fellow inductees, for this amazing honor.
'I'm truly blessed to have coached over 400 players, winning two national championships, and having the record of 1300 wins,' he continued. 'It takes a village to accomplish this, and it would not be possible without my wife Nelda.
'Thank you, Nelda, for taking care of our family and being a part of this experience. Also, thank you to every assistant coach I've had, especially my son Brian, who coached with me for 27 years. Lastly, thank you to every single player I've ever coached. I want you to know that I love each and every one of you.
Bene Bess retired with 1,300 wins and two national championships at the NJCAA level
'Thank you for this great honor, and thank you to my Lord and Savior for allowing me to be here tonight.'
Bess has since been honored by a number of organizations, including the Alabama Community College Conference (ACCC).
'Coach Bess was a phenomenal coach and a great human being,' read a post from the ACCC. 'A true legend.'
'What a legacy!!' Three Rivers College announcer Dr. Tim Hager wrote on X. 'Thank You Coach Gene Bess!! Condolences to his family & the fellow members of the RaiderNation.'
