University of Memphis Athletics
University of Memphis Announces Leadership Change in Women’s Basketball Program
Mar 09, 2026 | Women's Basketball
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.
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.
HOW TO FOLLOW THE TIGERS:
For complete information on Memphis Tigers Basketball, visit www.GoTigersGo.com and follow the team's social media channels on X, Instagram and Facebook.
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.
HOW TO FOLLOW THE TIGERS:
For complete information on Memphis Tigers Basketball, visit www.GoTigersGo.com and follow the team's social media channels on X, Instagram and Facebook.
Women's Basketball: Alex Simmons Press Conference - February 25, 2026
Wednesday, February 25
Women's Basketball: Alex Simmons Tulane Post Game Comments-February 18, 2026
Tuesday, February 17
Women's Basketball: Alex Simmons Post Game Comments vs. Charlotte- February 14, 2026
Saturday, February 14
Women's Basketball: Alex Simmons Post-Game Comments-January 31, 2026
Sunday, February 01