Tide Women's Basketball Coach Kristy Curry Leaving For South Florida

TUSCALOOSA, AL — The University of Alabama will be searching for a new leader of its women’s basketball program after the University of South Florida announced longtime head coach Kristy Curry has accepted the open head coaching position in Tampa.

Click here to subscribe to our free daily newsletter and breaking news alerts.

"I'm thrilled to welcome Kristy Curry to our Bulls family as the leader of our outstanding women's basketball program," South Florida CEO of Athletics Rob Higgins said. "Kristy is a proven winner at the highest levels, with head coaching success across the Big Ten, Big 12, and SEC. She has guided her teams to the NCAA championship game and built an exceptional resume that includes 16 20-win seasons and 21 postseason appearances over 27 years as a head coach. I'm incredibly excited about the future of South Florida women's basketball under her leadership."

The news comes after the Crimson Tide was beaten by Louisville Monday in the second round of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament and after Curry was also mentioned as a candidate for other open jobs, including Northwestern.

"I would like to thank Rob Higgins for the tremendous opportunity to lead a proud South Florida women's basketball program," Curry said. "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."

Curry has led the Crimson Tide since 2013 and departs after guiding Alabama through one of the most consistent stretches in program history.

Over the past several seasons, she rebuilt the Tide into a regular NCAA Tournament contender and elevated the program’s national profile.

Her departure follows a 2025-26 campaign in which Alabama posted a 24-11 overall record, while securing its fifth consecutive 20-win season and earning another NCAA Tournament appearance.

Curry, who was hired at Alabama by then-athletics director Bill Battle in May 2013, leaves the program after reaching several milestones, including producing three WNBA Draft selections in 2025, marking the first time in program history that Alabama had three players selected in the same draft.

Curry also guided the program to its first NCAA Tournament appearance in more than two decades during the 2020-21 season, signaling a turning point for the program.

Before her time at Alabama, Curry built a national resume with successful stops at Purdue and Texas Tech.

At Purdue, she compiled a 179-51 record and led the Boilermakers to the 2001 national championship game, while also capturing multiple Big Ten titles.

“Coach Curry did a commendable job with our women’s basketball team over the last 13 years, leading the program back to the NCAA Tournament and winning 20-plus games in each of the last five seasons," UA Director of Athletics Greg Byrne said. "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.”

Have a news tip or suggestion on how I can improve Tuscaloosa Patch? Maybe you're interested in having your business become one of the latest sponsors for Tuscaloosa Patch? Email all inquiries to me at ryan.phillips@patch.com