After a sudden end to the 2019–20 women’s basketball campaign, the offseason brought change to rosters and—more unexpectedly—on sidelines.
Former Notre Dame coach Muffet McGraw shocked many when she announced her retirement from the Fighting Irish after 33 years as head coach in April. Three months later, Duke coach Joanne McCallie resigned after 13 seasons with the program while Vic Schaefer left Mississippi State to join Texas.
While unanticipated, the suddenly-available positions allowed for impactful hires to be made. Notre Dame was quick to name former player and assistant coach Niele Ivey as McGraw’s successor, while Duke brought on Kara Lawson, a former Celtics assistant and the Blue Devils’ first Black head coach.