John Benington
John E. Benington (December 31, 1921 – September 10, 1969) was an American college basketball coach.
Benington in 1964 | |
| Biographical details | |
|---|---|
| Born | December 31, 1921 Findlay, Ohio, U.S. |
| Died | September 10, 1969 (aged 47) East Lansing, Michigan, U.S. |
| Playing career | |
| 1945–1949 | San Francisco |
| Coaching career (HC unless noted) | |
| 1950–1956 | Michigan State (assistant) |
| 1956–1958 | Drake |
| 1958–1965 | Saint Louis |
| 1965–1969 | Michigan State |
| Administrative career (AD unless noted) | |
| 1964–1965 | Saint Louis |
| Head coaching record | |
| Overall | 299–203 |
| Tournaments | 3–4 (NIT) |
| Accomplishments and honors | |
| Championships | |
| Big Ten regular season (1967) | |
The Findlay, Ohio native played college basketball for two seasons at the University of San Francisco, where he captained the squad that won the 1949 National Invitation Tournament under Pete Newell. He then became assistant basketball coach at Michigan State University (1950–1956) under Newell and Forddy Anderson.
He served a combined 14 seasons as head men's basketball coach at Drake University (1956–1958), St. Louis University (1958–1965) and Michigan State (1965–1969). He led Saint Louis to four NIT appearances including the finals of the 1961 NIT where they lost to Providence.
Benington died of a massive heart attack at age 47 after jogging. He was found after hours in Jenison Fieldhouse by his wife and freshman coach.