Full Breakdown
Kim Mulkey Dismisses Retirement Rumors After NCAA Tournament Exit
3/28/2026, 8:52:53 PM
LSU's Sweet 16 Heartbreak
The LSU women's basketball team faced a dramatic end to their season on March 27, 2026, when they lost to the Duke Blue Devils, 87-85, in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament. The game concluded with a buzzer-beating three-pointer from Duke's Ashlon Jackson, marking a disappointing exit for the second-seeded Tigers. This loss not only ended their season but also raised questions about the future of head coach Kim Mulkey.
Mulkey's Firm Stance on Retirement
In the aftermath of the game, Mulkey, 63, addressed swirling rumors regarding her potential retirement, categorically denying them. “I’m not retiring. Do I look that bad?” she stated during the postgame press conference. Mulkey emphasized her health, noting that despite having a few stents in her heart, her doctor has cleared her to continue coaching. She expressed frustration over the rumors, labeling them as “flat-out lies” and questioning their origins, particularly in the context of social media misinformation.
Mulkey has been a prominent figure in women's basketball, having led LSU to a national championship in 2023 and maintaining a record of 151-26 over her five seasons at the university. She has also won four national titles throughout her coaching career, making her the only individual to achieve this as a player, assistant coach, and head coach.
Future Plans and Roster Changes
Looking ahead, Mulkey indicated her intention to revamp her coaching staff and roster. With assistant coach Gary Redus II departing to become the head coach at Rutgers, Mulkey plans to hire two new coaches quickly. She also intends to utilize the NCAA transfer portal to recruit two or three additional players to strengthen the team. “I plan to hire two coaches quickly. I plan to get in the portal and get two or three more players,” she stated, while also mentioning her desire to take some time off to visit her grandchildren.
Despite the loss of star player Flau’jae Johnson, who is set to enter the WNBA draft, Mulkey remains optimistic about the returning talent, including leading scorer MiLaysia Fulwiley and other key players. She believes the team has the potential to compete for championships in the coming seasons.
Official Statements & Responses
Mulkey reiterated her commitment to LSU, stating, “I’m going to be in this game unless LSU fires me, OK, until I can’t put a product on that floor that’s competitive or my health fails me.” She expressed disappointment over the rumors, suggesting they may have been spread by rivals to undermine her recruiting efforts. “I think as we get older as coaches, they want to say, ‘How much longer is she going to be in the game?’” she noted.
Criticism & Opposition
While Mulkey's statements were clear, the rapid spread of retirement rumors highlights ongoing challenges in the sports media landscape, particularly regarding the reliability of information shared on social media. Mulkey criticized the culture of misinformation, stating, “I don’t get how people can write crap on social media,” and emphasized the need for responsible journalism.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I’m not retiring. Do I look that bad?” — Kim Mulkey, LSU Head Coach
- “I think as we get older, as coaches, they want to say how much longer is she going to be in the game? I'm going to be in this game unless LSU fires me, OK, or until I can't put a product on that floor that's competitive or my health fails me. So I would appreciate all of you in here, whoever put that out, if you know who they are, you need to stop it when you see it, because it's just a flat-out lie. Did I answer that in detail for you? Do I need to say it again?” — Kim Mulkey, addressing retirement rumors
- “I plan to hire two coaches quickly.” — Kim Mulkey, on future staffing plans
As Mulkey prepares for the next season, her focus remains on building a competitive team and continuing her legacy at LSU.
