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Rutgers Fires Coquese Washington as Women’s Basketball Coach After Four Seasons

New AD Keli Zinn opens an immediate national search to reset a program that finished last in the Big Ten.

Overview

  • Rutgers closed 2025–26 at 9-20 overall and 1-17 in the Big Ten, ending with an 11-game losing streak and a last-place finish.
  • Washington departs with a 42-84 overall record and an 11-61 conference mark across four seasons.
  • Zinn said the coaching search begins immediately as the department seeks to restore the program’s standard.
  • Washington has two years remaining on her contract, with reporting placing the buyout at just over $1.7 million, subject to offset if she takes another job.
  • Coverage cited roster turbulence and limited NIL support during Washington’s tenure, including issues involving standouts Kaylene Smikle and Kiyomi McMiller.