‘These assistants can get you fired’: Kim Mulkey reveals the harsh truth behind the NCAA coaching hierarchy

On December 1, after LSU’s victory over North Carolina Central, Kim Mulkey celebrated her 100th win as LSU’s head coach at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center. Not only did she reach this milestone, but she also became the fastest coach in program history to achieve it. As expected, Mulkey didn’t forget to thank those who supported her journey. Meanwhile, she also threw in some truth bombs. Surprising but true!

“The older I get, the more I realize that the Bob Starkeys of the world will keep me as a coach longer“Mulkey said during the postgame conference. The HC, who has an LSU coaching record of 100-14 since 2021, understands the value that assistant coaches bring to the team. She delves into her own experiences and reveals that she can catch up on films finished by one of her ACs while she can leave practice with another.

“I can walk now and take a deep breath.” She speaks of the trust of the assistant coaches. But there are very few who truly acknowledge these roles Mulkey believes in. “Because these assistants can get you fired or they can make you look great. When I say fired, it means you don’t win, you don’t get players, you don’t recruit players.” So you appreciate them.

Kim Mulkey was an assistant coach herself for 15 years, starting at Louisiana Tech in 1985. Mulkey helped the team to a 430-68 record and received her recognition, first in the form of a promotion, ten years later and then by joining the team College Sports Information Directors of America’s Academic Hall of Fame.

But now that she’s HC, the 2012 College Coach of the Year wants all of her assistant coaches to feel valued and seen, whether it’s encouraging them to take their kids to work or fighting for their salary. But it goes both ways. “Take your responsibility and we will all benefit from it” she adds. From moving to Baton Rouge in 2021 to LSU winning the national championship in 2023 to last year’s Elite Eight appearance, it was all a team effort.

Her team currently includes Seimone Augustus, Bob Starkey, Gary Redus, Joe Schwartz, Jennifer Roberts, Daphne Mitchell and Kaylin Rice.

This strong support system was instrumental in LSU’s rapid rise under her leadership, allowing it to reach 100 wins in just three seasons and nine games – a stunning feat in Baton Rouge.

But Kim Mulkey’s gratitude wasn’t just limited to her coaching staff

She also praised the exceptional talent on LSU’s roster over the years. “It’s just about training good players” she said after the buzzer sounded, marking her 100th victory. “Throughout my career I have been fortunate to coach players who believe in our system and what we do. Coming to LSU is no different than when I was at Baylor for more than 20 years. Children need to believe in you and let you coach them. All these victories are theirs.” she added.

This milestone was a collaborative effort by the team and employees. Star junior Flau’jae Johnson led the team with an impressive 22 points, four blocks and one steal. Aneesha Morrow contributed with a double-double, scoring 17 points and 11 rebounds. Seven other players, including transfer guard Kailyn Gilbert, who recorded 19 points and four steals, also reached double figures.

Their dominance on the court has led LSU to two wins by at least 80 points – a feat not achieved since 2002. However, that joy may be fleeting as speculation mounts that Kim Mulkey may soon announce her retirement. What do you think lies ahead for LSU?