Gene Bess, the renowned Hall of Fame basketball coach, has died at the age of 91. His passing was confirmed on June 19, 2026, by his son, Brian Bess.
Bess is widely regarded as one of the most successful coaches in college basketball history. He spent 50 years at Three Rivers College in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, leading the program from 1971 until his retirement in 2020. Over that span, he built an extraordinary record of 1,300 wins, making him the winningest coach in college basketball.
During his tenure, he guided Three Rivers College to two NJCAA national championships in 1979 and 1992, along with many national tournament appearances. His leadership helped elevate the program into a nationally respected powerhouse.
His achievements earned him induction into several halls of fame, including the NJCAA Hall of Fame, the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame, and the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2023, cementing his legacy as one of the sport’s great coaching figures.
Following news of his death, tributes have been shared by former players, colleagues, and fans who remember his dedication, leadership, and lasting influence on generations of athletes.
Funeral and memorial details have not yet been released. He is remembered for transforming a small college program into a national success story and for leaving a lasting impact on the game of basketball.