Jason Burgos
Legendary LSU coach Kim Mulkey put the fears of Tigers fans to rest on Friday night when she completely shut down recent rumors she would call it a career following the team’s Sweet 16 loss to Duke.
In just five seasons, Mulkey has already made the case for consideration as the greatest coach in LSU women’s basketball history. Sure, she only has a quarter of the wins (151) that program great Sue Gunter has (442). However, she has only been on the job for five years.
Yet, in that short time, she has taken the school to the NCAA Tournament every year, the Elite 8 or better on three occasions, and led the program to its only national championship three years ago. Mulkey has had a massive influence on LSU women’s basketball.
However, the 63-year-old has been a head coach in the college ranks for 26 years — mostly with Baylor. At this point in a career, talk of retirement just comes with the job. And on Friday, rumors emerged on social media from an alleged program insider that Mulkey could depart the program following the Tigers’ run in the tournament.
Kim Mulkey will leave LSU when she gets fired
Well, that officially came in a Friday night Sweet 16 defeat to Duke. But when questioned about the rumors, Mulkey put any fears LSU fans had to a definitive rest.
“I’m not retiring, do I look that bad?” she said during her post-game press conference. “I don’t know where that came from. I am only 63, and I’m healthy with a few stents in my heart. My doctor says I’m good to go. I have no clue where that stuff comes from, guys. I’ve never, ever told anybody that.
“There are moments when you feel like, ‘Why am I doing this?’ I don’t get how people can write crap on social media… I’m not retiring. I plan to hire two coaches quickly. I plan to get in the portal, get two or three more players, and take a little time off… I’m gonna be in this game until LSU fires me… It’s just a flat-out lie.”
The veteran coach suggested the rumor may have been spread by rivals looking to undermine her chances of landing key players in the transfer portal by creating fears she may not be in the job much longer.
