After winning the program's first NCAA women's basketball tournament game since 2009, Marlene Stollings spoke of taking another step with her Gophers next season.
That was until Texas Tech reached out about its coaching position last week, eventually presenting her with an offer that pulled her to Lubbock, four years after arriving in Minnesota.
Stollings was announced as the new coach of the Lady Raiders on Monday. She leaves Minnesota after a 24-9 season and an overall 82-47 record.
"I am very proud and honored to be named the head coach at Texas Tech and to be a part of the Big 12 Conference," she said in a statement. "Texas Tech has a storied tradition of success, and I am eager to return this program to national prominence. We will play a fun, up-tempo style of basketball that student-athletes will enjoy and the fans will find exciting to watch."
Stollings, 43, implemented that same style at the U when she replaced Pam Borton in 2014 after two seasons at Virginia Commonwealth (2012-14) and one at Winthrop (2011-12).
Her replacement will inherit three returning starters, including All-Big Ten guard Kenisha Bell and Big Ten Freshman of the Year Destiny Pitts.
"We wish her the best in her new position," Gophers athletic director Mark Coyle said. "We have already begun identifying candidates to be our next head coach."
Before Stollings' departure even became official, fans were already speculating about Lindsay Whalen as a potential replacement despite having no coaching experience and being an active player in the WNBA. The Lynx star played for the Gophers from 2000 to '04, leading them to the 2004 Final Four.