OLE MISS REBELS FANS REJOICE AS: Head Coach of Ole Miss Women’s Basketball Made History By Signing The Largest Contract For a Coach in Women’s College Basketball Following…
Ole Miss Rebels fans are celebrating a historic milestone as Head Coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin, affectionately known as “Coach Yo,” has signed a groundbreaking contract extension, making her the highest-paid coach in women’s college basketball history. This landmark agreement underscores the university’s commitment to excellence and recognizes Coach Yo’s transformative impact on the program since her arrival in 2018.
Under Coach Yo’s leadership, the Rebels have experienced a remarkable resurgence. In the 2024–25 season, Ole Miss achieved a 32–4 record, clinched the SEC Championship, and advanced to the NCAA Final Four for the first time in program history. Her strategic acumen and ability to develop talent have been instrumental in the team’s success, with several players earning All-American honors and attracting attention from WNBA scouts.
Coach Yo’s excellence has been recognized with prestigious awards, including the 2025 Naismith Coach of the Year, highlighting her commitment to sportsmanship and ethical leadership. Her dedication to fostering a positive culture extends beyond the court, as evidenced by her “No Ceilings with Coach Yo” initiative, which empowers women and young people through education and sports in the United States and the Bahamas.
The new contract includes incremental salary increases, starting at $2.5 million and rising to $3 million by the final year, positioning Coach Yo among the highest-paid coaches in women’s college basketball. Performance-based incentives further emphasize the program’s focus on sustained excellence.
Coach Yo’s impact extends beyond the court. She has been instrumental in boosting fan engagement, with average attendance at the SJB Pavilion increasing significantly in the 2024–25 season. Notably, a game against No. 2 South Carolina drew over 10,500 fans, reflecting the growing enthusiasm for the program.
As the Rebels look ahead, Coach Yo’s historic contract and unwavering leadership position Ole Miss as a powerhouse in women’s college basketball.
