UCLA Coach Cori Close Warns of Coaching's Mounting Demands

After 33 years in the game, Close questions how much longer she can keep up with the grind of modern college coaching.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 4:40am

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Cori Close, the head coach of the UCLA women's basketball team, has expressed uncertainty about how much longer she can continue coaching due to the increasing demands and responsibilities placed on college coaches in recent years. Close, who has been coaching for 33 years, says the job has changed significantly, especially in the last few years, making it increasingly challenging to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Why it matters

Close's comments highlight the growing concerns about the sustainability of the coaching profession, as the pressure and workload continue to intensify. This issue extends beyond just women's basketball, as coaches across all sports grapple with the evolving expectations and the toll it takes on their personal and professional lives.

The details

Close, who has been the head coach of the UCLA women's basketball team since 2011, has witnessed firsthand the changes in the coaching landscape over the past three decades. She cites the increased demands for recruiting, fundraising, media obligations, and managing the overall well-being of student-athletes as factors that have made the job more challenging in recent years.

  • Close has been the head coach of the UCLA women's basketball team since 2011.

The players

Cori Close

The head coach of the UCLA women's basketball team, who has been coaching for 33 years and has expressed concerns about the increasing demands and responsibilities placed on college coaches.

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What they’re saying

“Cori Close isn't sure how much longer she will be coaching. The responsibilities of coaches have changed a lot in her 33 years in the game, especially in the last few years.”

— Cori Close, Head Coach, UCLA Women's Basketball

The takeaway

Close's comments underscore the need for a broader conversation about the well-being of college coaches and the sustainability of the profession. As the demands on coaches continue to increase, it is crucial for universities and athletic departments to address the issue and find ways to support their coaches, ensuring they can maintain a healthy work-life balance and continue to thrive in their roles.