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You know what it’s like trying to pilot a plane through a storm? The controls are shaking, everyone on board is counting on you to stay calm, there are a dozen passengers who all have different ideas about where to go, you’re making split-second decisions……but there’s no guarantee. That’s what coaching is like, keeping steady hands when everything around you threatens to spiral. Well, Division I women’s college basketball saw 61 programs changing their pilots this season. But the best ones in the business are still the familiar names we know all too well. Let’s take a look. Here are the top 5 coaches in WBB this season Geno Auriemma (UConn) I mean, is there even a doubt? Before Auriemma, UConn had just one winning season in the program’s history. Now, the winningest coach in Division I basketball history — men or women — is also a nine-time AP Coach of the Year, eight-time Naismith Coach of the Year, seven-time WBCA National Coach of the Year, and winner of the John R. Wooden Legends of Coaching Award. Last season, he reminded everyone that UConn can still go toe-to-toe with the elite, pulling off a dominant win over reigning national champion South Carolina. And this time, he’s back with one of the healthiest UConn rosters we’ve seen in years, ready to contend for that title again as he enters his 41st season. Read Top Stories First From EssentiallySports Click here and check box next to EssentiallySports Dawn Staley (South Carolina) After Geno, if there’s anyone who comes close in terms of accomplishments among active college basketball head coaches, it’s Dawn Staley. Since taking over at South Carolina in 2008, she’s completely transformed the Gamecocks program. In 16 seasons, Staley has delivered three national championships, six Final Four appearances, and seven 30-win seasons. After going undefeated and winning it all in 2023-24, her squad fell just short in the finals against UConn. Then came a tough offseason, losing big with MiLaysia Fulwiley’s departure, who had her own reason, by the way. But as always, Staley worked her magic, bringing in transfer Ta’Niya Latson, the nation’s leading scorer, and top recruit Agot Makuer to reload and make another title run. Kim Mulkey (LSU) Experience speaks! Across 23 years at Baylor and LSU, Mulkey has captured four national championships and led her teams to five Final Four appearances. While her LSU squad has fallen just short of the Final Four in the past two seasons, there’s no denying the relentless effort she’s poured into the program. And maybe her real magic extends beyond the court, in recruiting. This offseason, Mulkey pulled together the nation’s top recruiting class and landed MiLaysia Fulwiley, setting up another powerhouse roster. Now, with two seasons of frustration fueling the fire, Tigers HC looks ready to storm back for more honors but make no mistake, she eye is on one thing, especially: another championship. Vic Schaefer (Texas) A coach for 38 years and now entering his 39th, Vic Schaefer has seen it all and won plenty along the way. With a 445–208 record, he’s seen more wins than losses. During his MSU days, Schaefer led the Bulldogs to five NCAA tournaments, four Sweet Sixteen appearances, three Elite Eights, two Final Fours, and a pair of national runner-up finishes. But the win that probably meant the most came last season. After taking the Texas job in April 2020, Schaefer finally climbed the ladder he’d been chasing, leading the Longhorns to their first Final Four since 2003. The SEC was no easy debut for Texas, but they held their own and proved they belong among the nation’s best. Now, with battle-tested grit and talents like Madison Booker and Rori Harmon leading the charge, Schaefer looks ready to push for even more. Cori Close (UCLA) I know, this one might spark a few debates. It could’ve been Wes Moore (NC State), Brenda Frese (Maryland), or even Niele Ivey (Notre Dame). But for us, one of the five best coaches has to be the last season’s Coach of the Year. Since taking over UCLA in 2011 in her first head coaching role, Cori Close has had only two losing seasons. And last time, everything finally clicked as she led UCLA to its first-ever women’s Final Four, capping off one of the best seasons in school history. The Bruins held the No. 1 ranking for 14 straight weeks and stacked up win after win en route to securing the top overall seed. Now, after losing some and gaining just as much (if not more) through transfers and recruiting, she’s back to take another shot at the top.
