Minnesota announced on Thursday that women’s basketball coach Lindsay Whalen will step down from her role with the program, effective immediately.
Whalen has agreed to remain with Minnesota as a special assistant to athletic director Mark Coyle. This will last through April 12, 2025.
“I want to thank Mark and the University for giving me the opportunity to lead this program five years ago,” Whalen said in a statement. “It was an honor of a lifetime. I am grateful to my assistant coaches and staff and want to thank them for everything they did for our student-athletes during the last five years. We did things the right way and created a lot of memories, but now is the right time for me to step aside and return to being a proud alum. I look forward to supporting and cheering on the next head coach.”
Even though Whalen wasn’t very successful as Minnesota’s head coach, the fan base was always rooting for her due to her contributions as a player.
I hate this https://t.co/WBDb9YQ0IN
— Nicole Griefenhagen (@TheLadyGrief) March 2, 2023
“I saw this coming a mile away,” one fan said.
I saw this coming a mile away https://t.co/RoQN51ojS4
— Jolene For Jesus Activist (@JustJohnell) March 2, 2023
“Needed to happen,” another fan wrote.
“Bummed to see this didn’t work out,” a third person added. “Still a legend for the program.”
As Minnesota’s head coach, Whalen had an overall record of 71-76. As a player, meanwhile, she became the program’s first three-time All-American.
The Golden Gophers will immediately start their search for a new head coach.