“I say no, I’m out. And then come to practice the next day and things will get better,” Auriemma said as he was moving closer to ‘imminent’ retirement. The words ring back in the ears as fans witnessed Paige Bueckers crying, Coach Geno Auriemma with wet eyes after winning the 2025 NCAA DI championship. While everyone knew the reason for Paige’s teary eyes, what about Auriemma? Is he retiring? Are the rumours true?

There is no doubt that Geno’s tactics worked again. With a dominant performance in the final game, UConn’s 82-59 win was a statement win to all those who had even the slightest of doubts about UConn’s credibility. Moreover, the side’s title run clearly highlighted how strong and deserving the Huskies were in the 2025 edition. After 40 successful seasons, 24 Final Four appearances, and 11 NCAA titles (before the final), coach Auriemma had very little to prove. Yet he delivered. Once again.

But what does Geno have to say about the team, its win, and preparations for it? “I know a lot of my friends that are of my age that haven’t done what I have done. And with what I have done it with.” Auriemma told the press. “And they look way older, act way older because they lost the ability to be a kid because they are not around kids. So, I may be 71 years of age number-wise. But I think otherwise I am more able to do stuff with those younger people because I am around them every day.”

Yeah. He has been with the team of young stars for more than four decades now. Preparing them for the challenges on the court and sometimes off the court as well. But at 71, with 12 titles under his belt, what more can he do? Geno has a brilliant answer to this, as well. “Wine is good for you, too. And if you’re around it all the time, after a while, you wake up and you go, ‘That was really bad.’” Geno told reporters. While he refers to his young players as wine, is Auriemma really ready to ‘wake up’?

After seeing Geno for 40 years, one thing is sure, what drives him to continue coaching is a talented squad, ready to work hard and capable of overcoming the challenges and making deep runs in the NCAA. Looking at UConn’s current team, there are two megastars whose talent could convince Auriemma to stay – Azzi Fudd and Sarah Strong. Fudd won the MOP award in the 2025 NCAA title run. And freshman Sarah Strong is the ‘next big thing’ who affected multiple games with double-double performances.

WNBA-bound Paige also showed faith in the team after his departure. In the post-game interview, she even warned the opponents of the future. “I am not worried about them at all. We got the blueprint,” she said. “And we know what it takes to get here.” While the team is certainly there to perform, will Geno Auriemma be there to guide them? Though the Hall of Fame coach did not give a definitive answer on when he’d retire, the idea is certainly running in his mind.

Who could replace Geno Auriemma at UConn?

Coaching the most successful program in women’s basketball is really a tough job. But Auriemma referred to the job as an “obligation”, indicating that the pressure of delivering a title could be a factor in his decision. Earlier in the NCAA Tournament, Auriemma hinted that he’s already looking at retirement. And now, after winning the title, he might retire. (We hope not.) But the UConn side will be ready for ‘the call’ and shortlist the candidates for replacement.

Frankly, it’s impossible to definitively name the perfect replacement for the legendary Geno Auriemma. However, some potential candidates for the UConn women’s basketball program could include experienced assistants within the current coaching staff or successful head coaches from other programs with a proven record.

The UConn coaching staff has a strong history of developing talent. Among the current UConn assistants, Ashley Tarver is a strong candidate. She is a long-time assistant coach with the program, and has experience in player development and recruiting.

How about replacing the HC with an HC from other programs? We have a few candidates who could have a quick impact – LSU’s Kim Mulkey and South Carolina’s Dawn Staley. A Direct UConn recruit could be Dan Hurley. His success at UConn and his relationship with Auriemma could make him a potential candidate.

Out of the blue and completely shocking candidates will be former UConn players who trained under Auriemma and have the same fire in them. Diana Taurasi, Sue Bird, and Maya Moore are well-equipped stars who have won at all stages of their career. But as DT and Sue Bird mentioned in their Sue Bird-Diana Taurasi Show, Auriemma is ‘Greedy’.

So when he sees an opportunity to add another title to his trophy-laden cabinet, he will be in the UConn practice sessions and games as HC. Having said that, we might have to look for the next UConn HC in a season or two.