And once again, history is made!
Connecticut has become the first Division I basketball program to clinch 12 NCAA titles all under the legendary Geno Auriemma. At 71, speculation about his retirement has swirled for years, but this latest championship, their first since 2016, may have answered those questions at least for now.
So, is this the swan song for college basketball’s winningest coach, or is there still more to come? Who better to weigh in than someone who’s played under him? Back in February, UConn icon Diana Taurasi praised Auriemma, calling him “an expert in leadership… No one could lead like Coach.” Fast forward to now, she’s firmly against any talk of retirement.
During ESPN’s alternate broadcast, Sue Bird asked her co-host Taurasi, “Would Coach Auriemma retire if they win it all?” Taurasi replied confidently, “I don’t think so. He sees another chance to build a dynasty, especially with Sarah Strong staying for three more years.”
Taurasi wasn’t the only one with that view. WNBA star Caitlin Clark also chimed in during the third quarter of the game, just three minutes from the buzzer. “It’s a tough call… this is year 40,” Clark said. “But he made it through Paige, and I think he has a soft spot for Azzi Fudd. I could see him coaching one more year with her, then maybe walking away.”
Although Clark never got the chance to play for UConn since Auriemma was already committed to Paige Bueckers—she knows him well enough to believe he’s not ready to hang it up just yet.
Still, Sue Bird offered a different take, suggesting the coach might actually consider stepping away this time. But what does Geno himself have to say?
Geno Auriemma on Retirement: Torn but Not Done
On April 5th, the Hall of Fame coach admitted he’s often toyed with the idea of retirement. “I’ve quit five times every year,” he joked. “I’ll leave practice, think I’m done, and say, ‘That’s it. I’m calling in sick for life.’” But those feelings never last. The next day, he’s back on the grind.
Last March, Auriemma admitted he would’ve retired after year 39 if not for Paige Bueckers’ return. “It would’ve been 39 and done if she wasn’t coming back,” he told CT Insider’s Maggie Vanoni.
Now, with Bueckers heading into the WNBA draft as the consensus No. 1 pick, Auriemma had a heartfelt moment with her. “I love you, that’s all I can say,” he told her. She smiled and replied, “He told me he loves me. I told him I hated him. I love that man more than words can describe.”
Despite the emotion, many including Taurasi and Clark believe Geno isn’t quite finished. With Azzi Fudd set to return and Sarah Strong just getting started, the stage could be set for one more championship run.
The only question left: Does the architect of 12 titles walk away now or build one final dynasty?
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