Memphis extends women's basketball coach Melissa McFerrin after 3 straight losing seasons

The University of Memphis extended women’s basketball coach Melissa McFerrin’s contract by two years Tuesday, through the 2020-21 season. 

McFerrin signed a top 35 recruiting class for 2019, her highest-ranked class since taking over the program 11 seasons ago.

McFerrin’s Tigers have compiled a 177-174 record with four NIT appearances, but they have had a losing record the last three seasons.

The extension coincides with plans for Memphis to renovate Elma Roane Fieldhouse, the home of the Tigers women’s team, in the near future. 

“With the Elma Roane Fieldhouse renovations on the horizon and a top 35 recruiting class entering this fall, the university is extending coach McFerrin with a two-year contract,” athletic director Tom Bowen said in a news release. “I am excited for the direction and growth of our program.”

The Tigers are set to return three of their top four scorers from their 11-20 campaign last season. 

“I want to thank University President Dr. M. David Rudd and Athletic Director Tom Bowen for their support over the last 11 years and allowing me to be the head coach at Memphis for the foreseeable future,” McFerrin said in a news release. 

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