LSU Coach Kim Mulkey Denies Retirement Rumors After Sweet 16 Exit

Mulkey addresses claim in postgame press conference following loss to Duke.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 2:50am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

LSU women's basketball coach Kim Mulkey denied retirement rumors on Friday night after a social media post claimed she would step down this offseason. The post appeared during LSU's Sweet 16 game against Duke and was attributed to two individuals, Tyler Daigle and Joseph Hebert, who do not appear to have any connection to the LSU program. Mulkey dismissed the rumors, saying 'I'm not retiring...do I look that bad? I don't know where that came from' in her postgame press conference.

Why it matters

Retirement rumors can be disruptive to a team and program, especially during the high-stakes NCAA tournament. Mulkey's denial helps quash speculation and allows the focus to remain on the team's performance and future plans.

The details

The social media post claiming Mulkey's retirement appeared during LSU's Sweet 16 game against Duke, which the Tigers lost 87-85. No reporters who cover the LSU women's basketball team or staff who work for the program say they have seen the two individuals named, Tyler Daigle and Joseph Hebert, at games, press conferences, or practices. Some LSU reporters and fans speculate the profiles and photos may be AI-generated.

  • The social media post appeared during LSU's Sweet 16 game against Duke on March 29, 2026.
  • Mulkey addressed the retirement rumors in her postgame press conference following the loss to Duke.

The players

Kim Mulkey

The head coach of the LSU women's basketball team, who has led the Tigers to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA tournament.

Tyler Daigle

An individual whose social media profile claimed Mulkey would retire, though no reporters or staff have seen this person associated with the LSU program.

Joseph Hebert

Another individual whose social media profile claimed Mulkey would retire, though no reporters or staff have seen this person associated with the LSU program.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I'm not retiring...do I look that bad? I don't know where that came from.”

— Kim Mulkey, Head Coach, LSU Women's Basketball

The takeaway

This incident highlights the potential for misinformation and false rumors to spread quickly on social media, even about high-profile figures like a successful college basketball coach. Mulkey's firm denial helps put the focus back on the team's performance and future plans.