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After Vic Schaefer took the head coaching job at Texas, Matthew Mitchell's name immediately jumped to the top of everyone’s list of who would replace Schaefer at Mississippi State.
However, Mitchell has already made it crystal clear that he will remain in Lexington.
Hey #BBN, let me say this loud and proud for all to hear: I’m the head coach @KentuckyWBB and my heart, family & life are devoted to UK! I will be there for as long as they will have me! I want to make that CRYSTAL clear! Grateful to God that I am allowed the privilege! ⚪️
— Matthew Mitchell (@UKCoachMitchell) April 6, 2020
The rumors stemmed from the fact that Mitchell is an alum of Mississippi State, as he was a student in Starkville back in the 90s. Still, not even a homecoming at his alma mater seems to be enough to pull Mitchell away from Memorial Coliseum.
After serving as an assistant coach at Kentucky from 2003-05, Mitchell got his first head coaching job at Morehead State before returning to UK as the women’s basketball head coach in 2007. Mitchell has a record of 303-133 in his 13 seasons at Kentucky, a 69% winning percentage. He's led Kentucky to two Sweet Sixteens and three Elite Eights as well.
The Wildcats finished 22-8 this season and lost in the semifinals of the SEC Tournament before the season was abruptly ended. With the Wildcats set to return several pieces from that team, specifically SEC Player of the Year Rhyne Howard, and adding a top-15 recruiting class, Mitchell will have another solid team that will look to compete both in the SEC and on the national stage.
It sounds like Mitchell, success for the women’s team and the dance party at the start of Big Blue Madness will all be back for next season.