Houston WBB announces Matthew Mitchell as new head coach

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Mar 6, 2020; Greenville, SC, USA; Kentucky Wildcats head coach Matthew Mitchell gives directions during the first half against the Tennessee Lady Vols at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-Imagn Images

Matthew Mitchell is making his return to the hardwood.

The University of Houston women’s basketball program announced Thursday it has hired Mitchell as the next head coach. Formerly the Kentucky WBB head coach from 2007-20, Mitchell has been away from the profession since retiring shortly before the 2020-21 season. He suffered a medical incident that offseason, which led to brain surgery and ultimately his decision to step away from coaching.

But nearly five years later, Mitchell will be back on the sidelines, this time leading the Cougars in the Big 12.

“We are thrilled to welcome Matthew Mitchell and his family to the University of Houston,” Vice President for Athletics Eddie Nuñez said. “I am fully confident that Coach will build a nationally competitive basketball program composed of outstanding young women who will be proud to wear the Cougar uniform, who will earn their degrees and who will be wonderful representatives of the University in the community.

“He has a tremendous track record of success at every step in his career and leads with high character and integrity. Our Women’s Basketball program is in great hands and with continued support, we will soon be competing for championships!”

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We got our guy 👏

Welcome to Houston, Head Coach Matthew Mitchell! pic.twitter.com/TrQRcKXePY
— Houston Women's Basketball (@UHCougarWBB) March 27, 2025

During his head coaching run at UK, Mitchell led the Wildcats to a 281-125 overall record (119-69 SEC) with nine NCAA Tournament appearances, including three Elite 8 berths across a four-year span. He was named the SEC’s Coach of the Year in 2010, 2012, and 2019. Mitchell will have his work cut out for him in Houston, especially in this new era of NIL and the transfer portal.

The Cougars have just five NCAA Tournament appearances in school history, the last coming in 2011. Previous head coach Ronald Hughley was in charge for 11 seasons, posting an overall record of 140-195 (65-119 conference) during his tenure with only two WNIT berths. Houston won just five games in 2024-25.

Mitchell had been rumored as Houston’s next head coach since last week — just six days later, those rumors turned into reality.