Kristy Curry has left the Alabama Crimson Tide and will coach at the University of Southern Florida, the school announced Tuesday. The move will see Curry making a shift from the SEC to the AAC — and that may have a ripple effect for other schools and coaches.
USF, the 2025 American Champions, announced the news on X. "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."
Curry joined Alabama in 2013 and has sent several players to the WNBA. That list includes Sarah Ashlee Barker, Aaliyah Nye, Zaay Green, Brittany Davis, and Jasmine Walker. She compiled a 245-173 overall record and led the team to five NCAA Tournament appearances (and four of those were in the last four years).
Curry was also responsible for bringing Alabama back to the tournament in the first place. The team made an appearance in 2021, their first since Rick Moody was coaching in 1999.
Alabama is now tasked with looking for a brand new coach
Alabama will now be on the hunt for a new coach, who will end up being their fifth since 2000. That's a pretty good stint for coaches, and speaks to the longevity the right candidate may end up enjoying if they can make things work with the team.
The university's director of athletics, Greg Byrne, announced on X that the search will span the nation, and that the program remains committed to the growth of women's basketball.
Curry's depature comes after a defeat
Curry's depature came after the team lost to the Louisville Cardinals in the second round of March Madness. The Cardinals have been on a tear this season, and may end up going far in their own tournament push. The match between the Cardinals and the Crimson Tide came down to the wire Monday morning, with a crucial steal by Louisville happening with less than two minutes on the clock at the end of the fourth quarter. That allowed Reyna Scott to sink a jumper and Imari Berry the opportunity to get fouled, which gave the Cardinals two free throws and the game.
It also comes after Floriday hired Tammi Reiss, and could be an indication that the SEC as a conference is about to experience a few shifts and shakes as coaches and programs regroup and prepare for the 2026-27 season.