Rutgers Fires Women's Basketball Coach Coquese Washington

Scarlet Knights begin search for new head coach after 4-year tenure

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Rutgers University has fired women's basketball head coach Coquese Washington after four seasons, with athletic director Keli Zinn announcing the move on Monday. Washington is owed $1.675 million remaining on her contract, which Rutgers can offset if she takes another job during that time.

Why it matters

Rutgers women's basketball has a storied history of success, and the university is committed to returning the program to national prominence. This coaching change represents an opportunity to find a new leader who can elevate the team and compete at the highest level in the Big Ten Conference.

The details

Coquese Washington was let go after four seasons as Rutgers' women's basketball head coach. Athletic director Keli Zinn stated that the university will now begin a 'national search' to find a replacement, with the goal of restoring the program to its former status among the nation's elite teams.

  • Rutgers fired Coquese Washington on Monday, March 2, 2026.

The players

Coquese Washington

Former head coach of the Rutgers women's basketball team, who was fired after four seasons.

Keli Zinn

The athletic director at Rutgers University who announced the firing of Coquese Washington and the start of a national search for a new head coach.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I want to thank Coquese for her service to Rutgers and wish her the best.”

— Keli Zinn, Rutgers Athletic Director (yahoo.com)

“Rutgers women's basketball has a proud and storied history of success and there is no reason why our program cannot return to its place among the nation's elite. We have invested in women's basketball in many ways, we compete in the best athletic conference in the country, and we are supported by passionate fans and loyal donors. I am confident we will find the right coach who can elevate this program to where it belongs.”

— Keli Zinn, Rutgers Athletic Director (yahoo.com)

What’s next

Rutgers will begin a national search to find a new head coach for the women's basketball program.

The takeaway

This coaching change at Rutgers represents an opportunity to revitalize the women's basketball program and return it to its former status as one of the top programs in the country. The university is committed to investing in the team and finding the right leader to guide them back to national prominence.