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LSU's Kim Mulkey Shuts Down Retirement Rumors After Heartbreaking March Madness Loss
The legendary coach vows to keep coaching despite her team's devastating Sweet 16 defeat.
Mar. 30, 2026 at 9:51am
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The fiery passion and competitive spirit of legendary coach Kim Mulkey shines through in a vibrant, expressionist depiction of the heartbreaking final moments of LSU's March Madness defeat.Baton Rouge TodayWomen's basketball coach Kim Mulkey has shut down rumors of her retirement after her LSU Tigers were eliminated from the NCAA March Madness tournament in heartbreaking fashion. Despite the 87-85 loss to Duke on a last-second buzzer-beater, the 63-year-old Mulkey declared she has no plans to retire and is already focused on rebuilding her team for next season.
Why it matters
Mulkey is one of the most decorated coaches in women's basketball history, having won four NCAA championships. Her decision to continue coaching at LSU, where she's under contract through 2033, will be a major boost for the program as they look to bounce back from the devastating tournament defeat.
The details
In the aftermath of the loss, rumors swirled that Mulkey might retire. However, the fiery coach quickly shut down those rumors, declaring 'I'm not retiring, do I look that bad?' She revealed her phone had been 'blowing up' with questions about her future, but she made it clear she plans to keep coaching at LSU. Mulkey said she's already in rebuilding mode, planning to hire two new assistant coaches and bring in two or three new players through the transfer portal.
- On March 24, 2026, LSU was eliminated from the NCAA Tournament's Sweet 16 with an 87-85 loss to Duke on a last-second buzzer-beater.
- Immediately following the loss, retirement rumors began circulating about Mulkey.
The players
Kim Mulkey
The 63-year-old head coach of the LSU women's basketball team, who is one of the most decorated coaches in the sport's history with four NCAA championships.
Ashlon Jackson
The Duke player who hit the game-winning buzzer-beater shot to eliminate LSU from the NCAA Tournament.
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
“I'm only 63 and I'm healthy- I have a few stints in my heart but my doctor says I'm good to go. I'm going to be in this game unless LSU fires me.”
— Kim Mulkey, Head Coach, LSU Women's Basketball
“I plan on hiring two coaches quickly, get in the portal and get two or three more players. Then I'll take a little time off and see my grandchildren.”
— Kim Mulkey, Head Coach, LSU Women's Basketball
What’s next
Mulkey plans to quickly hire two new assistant coaches and bring in two or three new players through the transfer portal as she looks to rebuild LSU's roster for next season.
The takeaway
Despite the heartbreaking tournament loss, Kim Mulkey's decision to continue coaching at LSU shows her unwavering commitment to the program and her desire to keep the Tigers among the nation's elite women's basketball teams. Mulkey's experience and championship pedigree will be invaluable as LSU looks to bounce back from this defeat.
