Alabama coach Kristy Curry leaving after 13 seasons
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Just over 24 hours after falling in the NCAA Tournament, the Alabama women’s basketball team is starting a search for a new head coach.
Kristy Curry is leaving Tuscaloosa after 13 seasons in charge of the Crimson Tide. USF announced Curry would be taking over its program in Tampa.
“I would like to thank Rob Higgins for the tremendous opportunity to lead a proud South Florida women’s basketball program. A strong foundation is in place, and I look forward to building on it as we pursue conference championships and NCAA Tournament success. Rob and the University’s commitment to competing at the highest level—along with the clear vision and alignment at USF—are truly exceptional. I can’t wait to meet Bulls Nation and experience a rocking Yuengling Center.”
Kristy Curry
Alabama women’s basketball
During her time at Alabama, Curry led the Tide to:
- 245-173 overall record
- 88-120 SEC record
- 5 NCAA Tournament appearances (4-5 record)
- 26 AP Poll appearances
Alabama has made four consecutive tournaments for the first time since 1999. The team’s 72 wins since 2023 is the second most in a three-year span in program history, one win shy of the record set from 1996-98.
This will be the first time Alabama will be searching for a new women’s basketball coach since 2013 when Wendell Hudson left. This will be the first women’s basketball coaching hire for Greg Byrne since he arrived in Tuscaloosa.
During Byrne’s history as an AD, his lone women’s basketball coaching hire happened just before leaving Arizona when he hired Adia Barnes in 2016. Barnes, who was a former Arizona player, would go on to lead the Wildcats to their first ever Final Four and national championship game appearance in 2021.
“Coach Curry did a commendable job with our women’s basketball team over the last 13 years, leading the program to the NCAA Tournament and winning 20-plus games in each of the last five seasons. We appreciate her contributions and wish her and her family well moving forward.
“As we begin a national search for our next head coach, Alabama Athletics remains committed to the continued growth and investment in women’s basketball.”
Greg Byrne, Alabama Director of Athletics
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