[2] Groce started his coaching career as an assistant with his alma mater, Taylor University, under Paul Patterson from 1993 to 1996.

14 seed in the Midwest region and Groce led the Bobcats to an upset win over 3-seeded Georgetown in the First Round.

A first round victory over Marshall preceded a loss to East Tennessee State in the CIT Quarterfinals.

[1][7] Groce finalized negotiations to become the men's basketball head coach at the University of Illinois on March 28, 2012, after both Shaka Smart and Brad Stevens declined interest in the position.

Until losing five non-conference games in the 2015–16 season, Illinois was the only program in the nation with an undefeated November record, dating back to 2011.

[10] The Illini would slip however, finishing 20–15, 7–11 in Big Ten play and failing to make the NCAA tournament.

From 2013 to 2016, Groce reversed Illinois' prior four-game losing streak in the annual Braggin' Rights interstate rivalry against Missouri by winning the contest for four straight seasons.

[12] On March 11, 2017, Groce was relieved of his duties, two days after the Illini lost its Big Ten tournament opening-round game to Michigan.

Following his dismissal from Illinois, Groce was hired on April 5, 2017, to become the new head coach of the Akron Zips.

[14][15][16] In 2020, Groce's Zips won the MAC regular season title, but were not able to participate in the postseason due to the COVID pandemic.

[17] In 2023, Groce led his team to the MAC Championship Semifinal, but were unable to make consecutive appearances in the NCAA Tournament.

Conference tournament champion Groce's brother is Travis Steele, the current head coach of Miami (OH).