BREAKING :Calls Mount Against Cori Close’s COTY Win as College Basketball Jury Even Ditch Dawn Staley to Pick Another Deserving Coach.

**Breaking Calls Mount Against Cori Close’s COTY Win as College Basketball Jury Even Ditch Dawn Staley to Pick Another Deserving Coach**

 

In a stunning turn of events, the decision to award Cori Close the 2025 Women’s College Basketball Coach of the Year (COTY) has drawn widespread backlash from critics, players, and analysts alike. While Close’s coaching accomplishments are undoubtedly impressive, the growing consensus among a vocal portion of the basketball community is that the award, at this point in the season, should have been given to another coach—most notably, South Carolina’s Dawn Staley.

 

For years, Dawn Staley has been a towering figure in women’s college basketball, leading the South Carolina Gamecocks to multiple NCAA championships and dominating the landscape of the sport. Her brilliance has earned her widespread respect and admiration, with many even considering her one of the greatest women’s basketball coaches of all time. So, when the 2025 COTY award went to Close, many were left scratching their heads, questioning whether the jury had lost sight of the bigger picture.

 

### The Case for Dawn Staley

 

The first and most glaring argument against Close’s selection centers around the sustained success of Staley’s South Carolina team. Staley, who has built South Carolina into a powerhouse, led her team to a strong regular-season finish, showcasing the depth of her coaching acumen. Her ability to develop top-tier talent, strategize against formidable opponents, and consistently guide her squad to victory seemed to warrant another COTY accolade.

 

Yet, despite these accomplishments, Staley’s name was not called. Critics argue that Staley’s sustained success over multiple seasons deserved to be acknowledged, especially given the larger cultural impact she has had on the sport. Her ability to elevate the game, recruit elite talent, and her status as a trailblazer for Black women in coaching has made her an icon in the sport.

 

### Cori Close’s Achievements

 

Cori Close, head coach of UCLA, has had a significant impact on the women’s college basketball landscape in her own right. In the 2024-2025 season, her team exhibited incredible resilience and talent. UCLA’s turnaround under Close, who has been with the program since 2011, was remarkable, but the timing of the COTY award remains controversial. While Close led her team to strong performances throughout the regular season, some believe her team’s trajectory was not as extraordinary as South Carolina’s dominance under Staley.

 

What perhaps sets Close apart is her ability to maximize the potential of a roster with less established stars, focusing on player development and system cohesion. UCLA’s impressive season has undoubtedly earned Close accolades, but critics argue that the magnitude of her achievement should not overshadow Staley’s consistency and legacy.

 

### A Controversial Jury Decision

 

The most baffling aspect of the COTY award decision is the fact that the jury seemingly abandoned Staley in favor of Close. This was not a decision based solely on individual seasons—rather, it highlighted the troubling trend of rewarding short-term success over sustained excellence. The implications of this shift in recognition suggest that the jury values immediate impact more than long-term achievement, something that could set a dangerous precedent in the voting process for future awards.

 

Moreover, many have pointed out that Staley’s decision to pivot away from the spotlight and let Close take the reins in the discussion has contributed to the growing chorus of dissent. As a coach, Staley has always put the success of her players and team first, but the fact that her incredible career could be overshadowed in favor of a less proven coach seems to have struck a chord with many who feel the jury was too quick to overlook her brilliance.

 

### A Larger Issue

 

The growing discontent surrounding Close’s COTY win speaks to a larger issue within the landscape of women’s college basketball: the recognition and acknowledgment of sustained excellence versus momentary success. The debate is not just about Close and Staley; it reflects a larger concern about how the sport values legacy and long-term development.

 

Dawn Staley, for all her accolades, has continued to prove herself as one of the best coaches in the game. Her impact reaches far beyond the court, influencing the culture and future of women’s basketball. To overlook her contributions in favor of a coach who has yet to achieve the same level of sustained dominance may signal a shift away from valuing consistency in coaching.

 

### Conclusion

 

While Cori Close’s accomplishments with UCLA should not be diminished, the mounting calls against her COTY win highlight a growing dissatisfaction with how women’s basketball coaches are recognized and rewarded. The jury’s decision to bypass a legendary figure like Dawn Staley has sparked an important conversation about the importance of sustained excellence versus fleeting success. In the world of women’s college basketball, it’s clear that more than just a single successful season should be required to earn the title of Coach of the Year. The spotlight may have shifted to Close this time, but the discussion over what truly defines excellence in coaching is likely to continue for years to come.