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Ole Miss women's coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin shares incredible story on getting job, rebuilding program

IMG_0985by:Griffin McVeigh•03/20/23•

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NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament - Second Round - California
PALO ALTO, CA - MARCH 19: Head Coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin of the Ole Miss Rebels looks on against the Stanford Cardinal during the second round of the 2023 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament held at the Stanford Maples Pavilion on March 19, 2023 in Palo Alto, California. (Photo by John Todd/NCAA Photos via Getty Images)

Ole Miss pulled off the upset of the weekend, taking down Stanford on the road on Sunday. For the first time since 2007, the Rebels are heading back to the Sweet Sixteen and they have head coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin to thank for it. An incredible performance from her on the biggest stage the program has been on in a long time.

After getting the win, McPhee-McCuin reflected to tell the incredible story of her getting the Ole Miss job. She knew transitioning would be an easy one, especially since her contract would be easy to buy out. McPhee-McCuin said she would recruit well and a few years later, the results are showing up.

“You know how I got this job? I called Ole Miss and I say: What are you guys doing? I’m hot,” McPhee-McCuin said. “And y’all can get me for cheap. I’m recruiting my butt off with a $20,000 recruiting budget. Give me yours and watch what I do.”

McPhee-McCuin accepted the Ole Miss job before the 2018-2019 season, inheriting a team that had not made the NCAA Tournament since 2007. She previously worked with Jacksonville, earning a March Madness bid but never finding a way to get a win.

In her first two years in Oxford, the Rebels had a combined 16 wins. The 2021 season saw them nearly match that number in one year before now making two consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances. Advancing past the Round of 64 would have been a huge accomplishment.

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But getting past one of the most historic women’s programs in history with Stanford is another level of story. The Cardinal has made two consecutive Final Fours and won the national championship in 2021. A true titan of the game went down on Sunday.

At the very least, McPhee-McCuin has delivered on her promises based on her story. A bright future is ahead of Ole Miss with her in charge but for now, continuing to compete for a national championship will be on their minds.

Next up for Ole Miss will be a Sweet Sixteen matchup against Louisville set to be played in Seattle, WA. If Yolett McPhee-McCuin can win just two more games, the Rebels will be heading to the Final Four for the first time in either men’s or women’s basketball. A special weekend is ahead.