ESPN REPORT: LSU Tigers Women’s Basketball Head Coach Kim Mulkey Stuns College Basketball World, Rejects Coach Demand of $20.5 Million NBA Offer from Tennessee Vol, Notre Dame to Remain with the LSU Tigers: ‘I Have No Plans Beyond Being the LSU Women’s Basketball Head Coach…’ Full Details
In a surprising and decisive move that sent shockwaves through the college basketball community, LSU Tigers women’s basketball head coach Kim Mulkey has firmly rejected a jaw-dropping $20.5 million coaching offer that would have seen her transition into a high-profile NBA developmental role, reportedly backed by a dual interest from both the Tennessee Volunteers and Notre Dame. Mulkey, one of the most successful coaches in NCAA women’s basketball history, confirmed her unwavering commitment to LSU during a recent press conference, stating, “I have no plans beyond being the LSU women’s basketball head coach.”
The offer, which sources say would have made her the highest-paid female coach ever to cross into the professional men’s basketball sphere, was reportedly structured to bring Mulkey into a powerful advisory and head coaching role within a joint initiative between Tennessee and Notre Dame—two programs seeking to revamp their coaching pipeline and invest in elite basketball minds. The move was seen as a bold experiment to blend elite NCAA coaching strategy with NBA-level development, and Mulkey was their top target.
However, true to her deeply rooted Louisiana pride and her passionate commitment to the LSU program, Mulkey declined the offer without hesitation. “LSU is more than just a job to me,” she said. “It’s home. It’s family. And this is where my heart is.”
Mulkey’s impact at LSU has been nothing short of transformative. Since taking the reins of the program in 2021, she has led the Lady Tigers to historic heights, including a 2023 NCAA National Championship victory. Her fiery leadership style, combined with an ability to bring out the best in her players, has revitalized LSU women’s basketball and made them a perennial powerhouse on the national stage.
The Tennessee Vols and Notre Dame were reportedly pursuing Mulkey for a unique opportunity—an experimental crossover coaching role that would have involved building out an NBA-affiliated women’s development league and helping shape a hybrid talent system for elite athletes. The combined value of the offer was estimated at $20.5 million over five years, with full autonomy in staffing, development programs, and partnerships. It would’ve been a groundbreaking venture for any coach, let alone someone with Mulkey’s record.
Despite the allure and historic implications of the deal, Mulkey made it clear that her mission at LSU is far from over. “We’re just getting started,” she told reporters. “There’s still so much to build here. We have recruits coming in that are going to change the game. We’ve got a fan base that believes. And I want to win more championships—right here, with these kids, at LSU.”
The announcement comes at a pivotal time for LSU, as the team looks to reload for another deep tournament run in the 2025 season. Mulkey has already begun shaping a roster filled with elite young talent, and her coaching stability provides a massive recruiting advantage.
Fans across Baton Rouge and beyond have embraced Mulkey’s decision with overwhelming support. Social media lit up with praise, calling her loyalty “rare” and “inspirational” in an era where coaching turnover is often dictated by dollars. Many fans and alumni credited her decision as a powerful statement about legacy, values, and commitment to the next generation of female athletes.
LSU Athletic Director Scott Woodward issued a statement thanking Mulkey for her continued leadership: “Kim Mulkey is the heart of our women’s basketball program. Her decision to stay is a testament to her love for LSU and her desire to continue building something truly special. We are proud and grateful to have her.”
With this declaration of loyalty, Kim Mulkey isn’t just choosing LSU—she’s reaffirming her legacy as one of the most passionate, driven, and loyal figures in the history of women’s sports. And in the process, she’s given the college basketball world a reminder: for some, home mea
ns more than money.