The news that broke last night is a great reminder that in the world of college athletics always expect the unexpected. Memphis would learn that their head coach, Katrina Merriweather, would be leaving the Tigers to go to Cincinnati to be their head coach. As this news is shocking to many, the job now is to find her replacement. We will look at a few candidates who the University may take a look into. Who are these coaches? Let’s find out.
Abby Jump
Abby Jump has been with Katrina Merriweather since her time at Wright State, which is also Jump’s alma mater. Coach Jump has been the recruiting coordinator for Memphis as well as a top assistant coach. While she was a great player for Wright State, Jump has been an even better recruiter and coach. When it comes to this position this would be a seamless transfer from Merriweather to Jump as she has been recruiting the current team and prospects. She also is familiar with the landscape of the program. Of the three people we mention, we feel that Jump will be the one Memphis hires. Jump has been a recipient of the Women Basketball Coaches Association {WBCA} 30 Under 30 Award for five consecutive seasons counting the most recent in this season. Can Memphis keep the continuity going and make a “Jump’ in this situation?
Kevin Mcmillan
Kevin McMillan is currently the head coach of the UT-Martin women’s basketball program. He is in his 14th season at the helm and the program’s eighth head coach in program history. McMillan leads the Skyhawks in all-time wins with 252. If Memphis does not hire the above-mentioned Jump, McMillan would be a great second choice. He is a proven winner as the Skyhawks have had eight 20-win seasons under him in the past 11 seasons. McMillan has ties to Memphis as he played for Rhodes College, from 1986-1989, and coached at Millington High School from 1990-1997. This hire would be one not many would see coming but some fans would be welcome to see. Could Memphis make a run at a Tennessee coaching staple?
Tamika Whitmore
Memphis fans know the name, Tamika Whitmore immediately. Of these three names we think this name could create a buzz to keep the momentum moving. While Whitmore does not have any sideline head coaching experience she has played the game for many years. Whitmore is currently an assistant for the girl’s team at Arlington High School which is a suburb of the Memphis area. She understands what Memphis is and means. Would Memphis make this move? Possibly. We could see this happening as a last-case scenario but it would be nice to see a former Tiger leading both hoops programs.
This will be a vital hire for this program. The success in two seasons under Merriweather has been very successful and the University will need to keep this going. These names are three we see as some who would make an immediate impact on this program. This will be an interesting storyline to keep an eye on.
