Kim Mulkey’s Statue at LSU Demolished After Shock Resignation
The Louisiana State University campus was rocked by a series of unexpected events this week as Hall of Fame women’s basketball coach Kim Mulkey submitted her resignation, followed by the swift and controversial demolition of a statue erected in her honor just two years prior. The sudden turn of events has left fans, players, and analysts stunned, sparking debates about legacy, loyalty, and the often-fickle nature of sports tributes.
Mulkey, who led the LSU Tigers to a national championship in 2023—the program’s first in women’s basketball—had become an icon in Baton Rouge. Known for her fiery sideline demeanor, bold fashion choices, and relentless competitiveness, she quickly endeared herself to fans after arriving from Baylor in 2021. Her impact was immediate, transforming LSU into a powerhouse and drawing record-breaking crowds to the Pete Maravich Assembly Center. In recognition of her achievements, the university unveiled a bronze statue of Mulkey outside the facility in 2024, immortalizing her as one of the program’s all-time greats.
However, the celebration was short-lived. Earlier this week, Mulkey reportedly submitted a resignation letter to LSU athletic director Scott Woodward, citing undisclosed personal reasons. The news sent shockwaves through the college basketball world, with speculation running rampant about potential behind-the-scenes conflicts, health concerns, or even a surprise move to another program. Neither Mulkey nor LSU officials have provided detailed explanations, leaving fans to piece together rumors and cryptic social media posts from those close to the situation.
What happened next was even more surprising. Within 24 hours of Mulkey’s resignation announcement, construction crews arrived on campus and dismantled her statue. The abrupt removal, captured on video by stunned onlookers, quickly went viral, with critics accusing the university of erasing her legacy in a fit of spite. Supporters of the decision, however, argued that statues are reserved for those who finish their careers at LSU, not coaches who leave abruptly. The move has drawn comparisons to other contentious monument removals in sports history, though few have ever happened this quickly.
Reactions from former players have been mixed. Some, like All-American forward Angel Reese, expressed disappointment, tweeting, “This isn’t how you treat a legend.” Others, however, hinted at unresolved tensions behind the scenes, suggesting Mulkey’s departure may not have been as amicable as initially portrayed. Meanwhile, rival fan bases have seized on the drama, mocking LSU’s handling of the situation as petty or shortsighted.
The demolition of the statue also raises broader questions about how universities honor coaches in the modern era. In an age where high-profile figures frequently change jobs for bigger contracts or new challenges, the permanence of statues and named facilities is increasingly debated. Should institutions wait until a coach retires before immortalizing them? Or does a statue represent a moment in time, regardless of what comes next? LSU’s decision to remove Mulkey’s likeness suggests a hardline stance, but it may also deter future coaches from feeling truly celebrated.
As for Mulkey, her next steps remain unclear. At 62, she could retire, pursue broadcasting, or even take another coaching job—though few programs could match the resources and fan support she had at LSU. Some insiders speculate that her resignation could be tied to the evolving landscape of college athletics, including name, image, and likeness (NIL) disputes or frustrations with NCAA governance. Others wonder if health or family concerns played a role. Until Mulkey speaks publicly, the mystery will linger.
For LSU, the focus now shifts to finding a successor capable of maintaining the program’s elite status. Names like former Notre Dame coach Niele Ivey and current South Carolina assistant Jolette Law have already surfaced as potential candidates. But whoever takes the job will inherit not just a talented roster but also the weight of this bizarre and polarizing chapter in Tigers history.
In the end, the demolition of Kim Mulkey’s statue serves as a stark reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in college sports. Two years ago, she was a hero, lifting LSU to unprecedented heights. Today, her legacy is literally being carted away in pieces. Whether the university’s actions are justified or premature may depend on what Mulkey does next—and whether the truth behind her resignation ever comes to light. For now, the only certainty is that one of the most successful and colorful coaches in the game has left the building, and LSU is already scrubbing away the evidence.
