UCLA Women's Basketball Coach Resigns Amid Program Turmoil
UCLA Womens Basketball Coach Resigns Amid Program Turmoil...
UCLA women's basketball head coach Cori Close resigned abruptly on Monday after 13 seasons, citing personal reasons. The surprise departure comes amid growing scrutiny over the program's recent performance and player retention issues.
The university confirmed Close's resignation in a brief statement, thanking her for "transformational leadership" that included nine NCAA Tournament appearances. Athletic director Martin Jarmond said an interim coach will be named soon while a national search begins.
Close's exit follows a disappointing 18-14 season where the Bruins missed the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2015. Multiple players entered the transfer portal last month, including starting guard Londynn Jones, who committed to LSU.
The coach faced mounting criticism after UCLA lost seven of its final nine Pac-12 games. Fans expressed frustration over recruiting struggles in the competitive Southern California market, where USC has gained momentum under new coach Lindsay Gottlieb.
Close compiled a 260-149 record at UCLA, reaching the Sweet 16 five times. Her 2018 team advanced to the program's first Final Four in two decades. Players praised her mentorship, with All-American Japreece Dean calling her "a coach who genuinely cared."
The resignation comes during a turbulent period for UCLA athletics. The school's move to the Big Ten Conference this summer has raised questions about travel demands and recruiting challenges. Women's basketball becomes the third Bruins program to lose its head coach this academic year.
Assistant coaches Tasha Brown and Tony Newnan are considered potential interim candidates. Early speculation about permanent replacements includes former Oregon coach Kelly Graves and current Princeton coach Carla Berube.
The timing leaves UCLA scrambling before the transfer portal closes April 25. With just seven returning scholarship players, the new coach will need to rebuild quickly in the expanded Big Ten.
Close's departure marks the end of an era for UCLA women's basketball. Her teams were known for academic success, graduating 100% of players who completed their eligibility. The program produced 12 WNBA draft picks during her tenure.
The coaching search begins as UCLA prepares to join college basketball's toughest conference. How the Bruins navigate this transition could determine the program's trajectory for years to come.
