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Mike Neighbors takes ‘dream job’ as Arkansas head coach

By Mike Peden

SEATTLE, WA - MARCH 03: Washington Huskies head coach Mike Neighbors during the women's Pac 12 college tournament game between the Washington Huskies and the Oregon Ducks on March 3rd, 2017, at the Key Arena in Seattle, WA. (Photo by Aric Becker/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA - MARCH 03: Washington Huskies head coach Mike Neighbors during the women's Pac 12 college tournament game between the Washington Huskies and the Oregon Ducks on March 3rd, 2017, at the Key Arena in Seattle, WA. (Photo by Aric Becker/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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Mike Neighbors can now live out his dream.

On Monday, the University of Arkansas announced that Neighbors will assume head coaching duties for the women’s basketball team. After a four-year stint with Washington, Neighbors will continue his career in the state he calls home.

“This is my dream job and everyone who knows me, knows that,” Neighbors said in a statement released by Arkansas. “I grew up wanting to be a Razorback and then a Razorback coach and the four years I spent at Arkansas prepared me for this moment.”

The four years Neighbors spent at Washington offers plenty of evidence as well. He compiled a 98-41 record and reached the NCAA tournament for three consecutive years. Last season, he guided the Huskies to their first Final Four in school history.

This year, Neighbors and his Huskies achieved another form of notoriety through Kelsey Plum, the offensive extraordinaire who set career and single-season scoring records en route to a Sweet 16 appearance.

Neighbors will pay Washington $1 million to buy out his contract, but the 48-year-old is more focused on the opportunity that awaits him.

In addition to being a graduate of Arkansas, Neighbors has prior coaching experience there. He was an assistant for the program in the 2006-07 season. As a head coach, Neighbors will attempt to revitalize a team with a combined record of 25-36 over the last two seasons.

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