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Kevin Mackey, Coach of Historic NCAA Upset, Passes Away

11/13/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Kevin Mackey, former coach of Cleveland State University’s basketball team, died from an apparent heart attack on November 12, 2025, at age 80.
He is best known for leading the No. 14 seed Vikings to a historic upset over the No. 3 seed Indiana Hoosiers in the 1986 NCAA tournament, advancing to the second round.
Mackey's coaching career ended in 1990 due to a drug-related incident, but he later became a scout for the Indiana Pacers and maintained sobriety for 35 years.
He is survived by three children and seven grandchildren.

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Story summary

Kevin Mackey, former coach of Cleveland State University’s basketball team, died from an apparent heart attack on November 12, 2025, at age 80.
He is best known for leading the No. 14 seed Vikings to a historic upset over the No. 3 seed Indiana Hoosiers in the 1986 NCAA tournament, advancing to the second round.
Mackey's coaching career ended in 1990 due to a drug-related incident, but he later became a scout for the Indiana Pacers and maintained sobriety for 35 years.
He is survived by three children and seven grandchildren.