Matthew Mitchell announces surprising retirement

In the midst of Big Blue Nation watching Kentuckys Pro Day, news broke that UK Women's Head Basketball Coach, Matthew Mitchell, has decided to retire from coaching basketball at the University of Kentucky.

Its been well known that he is recovering from a recent brain surgery, and that it hasn't been going so well recently, but I'm sure none of us expected a retirement to result from it.

“After much conversation with my family and Mr. Barnhart, I have decided to retire from coaching and effectively have resigned as head coach at Kentucky. This was a difficult decision and I know the timing is not ideal, but I do not feel I can give the job what it requires at this time. As has been much publicized, I have had an eventful offseason with my injury and subsequent surgery. I have been open about the fact that the surgery and recovery process has been life-altering for me and my family. Through that, my priorities towards my family and my faith has grown even larger than before and that has led me to make this decision. Although so much about today is sad because I will greatly miss the relationships and people that have constantly lifted up my family and me the last 13 years, I am resolute in my decision and comfortable with beginning the next chapter of my life."

Mitchell retires as the winningest head coach in Kentucky women’s basketball history, with a record of 303-133, and 333-162 during his entire career.

Associate Head Coach Kyra Elzy has been named the interim Head Coach, effective immediately. Elzy says, “Coach Mitchell means so much to me and I owe himan enormous amount ofgratitude for his guidance throughout my coaching career. This is not an easy day for any of us as we come to grips with his decisionto retire. My immediate focus is on our players and making sure that they are dealing with this change that has happened so abruptly. As you canunderstand, this has beendifficultfor them to process. We met with the players and their families this evening and ensured them that this program will stand on the same principles moving forward.I want to thank Mr. Barnhart, President Capilouto and our administrationfor trusting me as the interim head coach. Coach Mitchell hasset this program on a path for distinguished success, and as interim head coach, I promisethatour staffwill work tirelessly to make suretheprogram continuesto build upon the success that Coach Mitchell has had at Kentucky.”

Shocking news to say the least, but prayers to the Mitchell family and hopes for a speedy recovery. The Schlarman news now the Mitchell news, ends in a rough day to be a Kentucky fan.