Brigham Young University (BYU) has announced a significant change in its women’s basketball program, parting ways with head coach Amber Whiting after a three-year tenure marked by challenges and unmet expectations.

Coaching Tenure and Performance

Amber Whiting, appointed in 2022, concluded her time at BYU with an overall record of 45-51, including a 19-35 mark in conference play. The 2024-2025 season ended with a 13-17 record, with the Cougars finishing 14th out of 16 teams in the Big 12 Conference.

Despite recruiting talent such as Big 12 Freshman of the Year Delaney Gibb, the team’s performance did not meet expectations.

Transition and Interim Leadership

Following Whiting’s departure, associate head coach Lee Cummard has been named interim head coach.

Cummard, a former BYU men’s player and assistant coach, brings familiarity with the program and aims to provide stability during this transition.

Challenges in the Coaching Search

Filling the head coach position presents unique challenges.

BYU’s affiliation with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints often influences coaching hires, with a preference for candidates who align with the institution’s values.

Additionally, uncertainties regarding financial support for the women’s basketball program add complexity to the search.

Potential candidates include Adam Wardenburg, Morgan Bailey, and Lee Cummard, all of whom have strong ties to Utah and the LDS community.

Player Retention and Future Outlook

A critical focus for the new head coach will be retaining key players.

Delaney Gibb’s exceptional freshman season, where she averaged 17.4 points per game and earned Big 12 Freshman of the Year honors, makes her a pivotal asset for the program’s future success. Maintaining Gibb’s commitment will be essential for BYU’s competitiveness in the Big 12 Conference.

As BYU navigates this period of change, the decisions made will significantly impact the trajectory of the women’s basketball program in the coming years.