Former Kentucky Coach Looks to Rebuild Cougars Program
After nearly four years away from the sidelines, former Kentucky women’s basketball coach Matthew Mitchell is making a comeback. Houston has officially hired Mitchell as its next head coach, tasking him with reviving a program that is coming off a 5-25 season.
Mitchell, known for his high-energy coaching style and charismatic leadership, had an impressive 15-year coaching career, including nine NCAA Tournament appearances. But his journey back to the bench has been anything but ordinary.
A Career Paused by Health Scare
Mitchell’s time at Kentucky came to an abrupt end after a serious head injury during a family vacation. The accident led to a concussion and later required brain surgery to address a life-threatening brain bleed.
“I have been open about the fact that the surgery and recovery process has been life-altering for me and my family,” Mitchell said.
After careful consideration, Mitchell stepped down just before the 2020-21 season, stating:
“After many conversations with my family and Mr. Barnhart, I have decided to retire from coaching and effectively have resigned as head coach at Kentucky. This was a difficult decision, and I know the timing is not ideal, but I do not feel I can give the job what it requires at this time.”
Now, fully recovered and reenergized, Mitchell is ready to take on a new challenge.
A Proven Winner Takes on a New Challenge
Mitchell left Kentucky as the program’s all-time wins leader, boasting a 303-133 record with the Wildcats and a .673 career winning percentage. He led UK to 10 seasons of 20+ wins, two SEC regular-season titles, and deep NCAA Tournament runs.
Now, he’ll try to bring that same magic to Houston, a program in need of a rebuild.
Houston struggled mightily last season, finishing 5-25, but the Cougars are betting that Mitchell’s track record of player development and culture-building will turn things around.
However, this new era of college basketball presents a different challenge. The transfer portal and NIL landscape weren’t factors when Mitchell last coached—how he adapts will be something to watch.
BBN Wishes Coach Mitchell the Best (Unless He’s Playing Kentucky!)
From his memorable Big Blue Madness dances to his on-court success and deep ties to the community, Matthew Mitchell was more than just a coach at Kentucky—he was a fan favorite.
While Kentucky fans will always appreciate what he did for the program, BBN will be keeping an eye on Houston’s rebuild—except, of course, if they ever cross paths with the Wildcats.
Mitchell is back. And college basketball is better for it.