University of Memphis Announces Leadership Change in Women’s Basketball Program
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – University of Memphis Senior Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Ed Scott, Ph.D. has announced that Memphis head women’s basketball coach Alex Simmons will not return to lead the program next season. Jason Smith and John Martin pointed out Monday (3/9) that the Simmons buyout is $1-Million.
Simmons concluded her tenure at Memphis with a 30-61 overall record and an 18-36 mark in American play over three seasons.
“Following a comprehensive evaluation of our women’s basketball program, we believe this is the right time for a leadership change,” said Scott. "We remain committed to building a program that competes at the highest level of our conference and reflects the pride and passion of the University of Memphis community. We have made meaningful investments in women’s basketball and are grateful for the strong support from our fans and donors. I want to thank Coach Simmons for her dedication to our student-athletes and for her service to the University of Memphis, and we wish her and her family the very best in the future.”
Shalon Pillow will assume oversight of the women’s basketball program during the transition.
A national search for a new women’s basketball head coach will begin immediately. The university has retained Renaissance Search & Consulting (RSC) to assist and serve as the lead firm in the search process.