Memphis Seeks New Women's Basketball Coach After Simmons' Departure

Athletic director Ed Scott has several promising candidates to replace the outgoing Alex Simmons

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The Memphis women's basketball program is searching for a new head coach after firing Alex Simmons, who went 30-61 in three seasons. Athletic director Ed Scott has several potential replacements in mind, including coaches from Tennessee Tech, Charlotte, Middle Tennessee State, Virginia, Morehead State, Tennessee, Arkansas State, and Virginia Tech.

Why it matters

Memphis is looking to revive its women's basketball program after a disappointing stretch under Simmons. The new hire will be tasked with rebuilding the team and restoring the program's competitiveness in the American Athletic Conference.

The details

After firing head coach Alex Simmons, Memphis athletic director Ed Scott is considering several candidates to take over the women's basketball program. The list includes Kim Rosamund of Tennessee Tech, Tomekia Reed of Charlotte, Nina Davis of Middle Tennessee State, CJ Jones of Virginia, Ashton Feldhaus of Morehead State, Gabe Lazo of Tennessee, Destinee Rogers of Arkansas State, and Jen Hoover of Virginia Tech.

  • Memphis fired head coach Alex Simmons on March 9, 2026.
  • Ed Scott has been the Memphis athletic director since 2024.

The players

Alex Simmons

The former head coach of the Memphis women's basketball team, who was fired after going 30-61 in three seasons.

Ed Scott

The athletic director at Memphis, who is leading the search for a new women's basketball head coach.

Kim Rosamund

The head coach of the Tennessee Tech women's basketball team, who is a potential candidate for the Memphis job.

Tomekia Reed

The head coach of the Charlotte women's basketball team, who previously had success at Jackson State.

Nina Davis

An assistant coach for the Middle Tennessee State women's basketball team and a Memphis native who was a superstar player at Baylor.

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What’s next

Memphis athletic director Ed Scott will interview candidates and make a decision on the program's next head coach in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

Memphis is looking to revitalize its women's basketball program with a new head coach who can bring energy, recruiting prowess, and a proven track record of success. The school has several promising candidates to consider as it aims to return the team to competitiveness in the American Athletic Conference.