Kevin Mackey, who guided Cleveland State to a remarkable NCAA victory against Indiana, has passed away at 80.

Kevin McKee, Former Cleveland State Coach, Passes Away at 80

Kevin McKee, who led Cleveland State to a stunning win against Bob Knight’s Indiana University during the 1986 NCAA Tournament, has passed away. He was 80 years old.

His son Brian shared that McKee died from a sudden heart attack on Tuesday.

Before his time at Cleveland State, McKee coached at the high school level in Boston and was known as a talented recruiter while serving as an assistant at Boston University. He took the helm at Cleveland State in 1983.

In his first season, McKee’s Vikings finished with a record of 14-16 but then had six consecutive winning seasons. Over seven years at the university, he accumulated a 144-67 record.

During the 1985-86 season, his 14th-seeded team achieved a remarkable 29-4 record, famously defeating third-seeded Indiana 83-79 in what remains one of the tournament’s biggest upsets. The team then went on to beat sixth-seeded St. Joseph’s 75-69 before falling to seventh-seeded Navy, led by David Robinson, in a close Sweet 16 match that ended 71-70.

However, McKee’s tenure at Cleveland State came to an unexpected end in 1990. Just days after signing a lucrative two-year contract, he admitted to using crack cocaine and was arrested on July 13, 1990, for driving under the influence after leaving what was reportedly a drug den.

Police had been monitoring McKee after receiving a tip off about his whereabouts. They witnessed him driving erratically, prompting his arrest.

Afterward, McKee entered a rehabilitation program in Houston, managed by former NBA player John Lucas. He spent three months there and credited Lucas with saving his life.

Post-recovery, he transitioned into minor league coaching and later worked as a scout for the Indiana Pacers under Larry Bird but never returned to college basketball.