Rutgers Women’s Basketball Coach Fired After Last Place Finish in Big Ten

It was announced today that Rutgers Women’s Basketball head coach, Coquese Washington, has been fired. The Scarlet Knights (9-20, 1-17) finished last in the Big Ten in the 2025-2026 season, the second time at the bottom of the conference under Washington. In her four seasons on the Banks, the team has had a 42-84 record, going 11-61 in Big Ten play.

“I am thankful to Rutgers for the opportunity to lead the women’s basketball program for the past four years, as it has been a wonderful journey for me and my family,” said Washington in statement shared to social media following the firing. “I appreciate the faithful fans who came out and supported us night in and night out.”

Rutgers Director of Athletics, Keli Zinn, also released a statement after the firing. “Rutgers women’s basketball has a proud and storied history of success and there is no reason why our program cannot return to its place among the nation’s elite,” Zinn said. “I am confident we will find the right coach who can elevate this program to where it belongs. I want to thank Coquese for her service to Rutgers and wish her the best.”

The next women’s basketball coach will be the first major coaching hire under Zinn. Washington was paid an annual base salary of $800,000.