Breaking: LSU Tigers Women’s Basketball Head Coach Kim Mulkey Stuns College Football World, Rejects Jaw-Dropping $7.5 Million NIL Offer from Georgia, Notre Dame to Remain with the LSU Tigers: ‘I Have No Plans Beyond Being LSU Tigers Championship…’
In a stunning development that has rocked the collegiate sports world, LSU Tigers women’s basketball head coach Kim Mulkey has reportedly turned down a massive $7.5 million Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL)-related coaching offer from two powerhouse programs—Georgia and Notre Dame. The shocking decision has left fans and analysts across both the basketball and football spheres buzzing, as the seasoned coach reaffirmed her commitment to LSU with a powerful message: “I have no plans beyond being LSU Tigers championship.”
The rumored offer, which allegedly involved a hybrid coaching-consulting NIL arrangement between the Georgia Bulldogs and Notre Dame’s athletic departments, would have made Mulkey the highest-paid female coach in any college sport. Sources close to the situation indicate that the offer not only promised an eye-popping salary but also the opportunity to transition into a broader role involving football program branding and athlete development, signaling an unprecedented crossover between basketball coaching and football NIL influence.
However, despite the tempting financial and professional opportunity, Kim Mulkey chose loyalty and legacy over money. “LSU is home,” she told reporters in an emotional press conference. “I came here to win championships for this university, for these young women, and for Louisiana. That mission is not complete.”
Mulkey, known for her fiery coaching style and unmatched drive, led the LSU Tigers to a national championship in 2023 and has since turned the program into a perennial contender. Her decision to remain at LSU not only strengthens the university’s basketball program but also reinforces the growing importance of culture and loyalty in a time when NIL deals are rapidly reshaping college sports.
Industry insiders believe this bold move by Mulkey could shift the landscape of NIL negotiations, especially when it comes to high-profile coaching figures. While NIL has largely centered on student-athletes, Mulkey’s situation reveals the growing interest of athletic programs in leveraging elite coaches as marketing and branding assets.
Reaction from the college sports world has been swift. LSU athletic director Scott Woodward praised Mulkey, calling her “the embodiment of championship spirit and loyalty.” Fans took to social media to celebrate her dedication, with hashtags like #ForeverLSU and #CoachMulkey trending nationwide.
Even Georgia and Notre Dame representatives acknowledged her decision with respect. “We recognize Coach Mulkey’s unmatched value and wish her continued success at LSU,” a joint statement read.
With this decision, Mulkey sends a strong message: while NIL money can be life-changing, the bond between a coach, a program, and its community can be even stronger. Her refusal of a $7.5 million deal is not just about turning down a contract—it’s a declaration of purpose.
As Mulkey and the LSU Tigers prepare for another title run, the college sports world watches in awe. In an era defined by dollar signs and constant movement, Kim Mulkey has chosen loyalty, passion, and unfinished business.