Adia Barnes is leaving her position as head coach of the Arizona women’s basketball team to take over at Southern Methodist University (SMU). The move was confirmed by multiple sources, including Michael Lev at the Arizona Daily Star and this publication.
Barnes has been vocal about needing resources to compete at the level she wants to. She has also stated that job security is a high priority for her. Despite her strong track record as a coach, Barnes’s contract with Arizona runs out in one year. Athletic director Desireé Reed-Francois did not seem to be eager to negotiate an extension.
SMU appears to offer the resources and support that Barnes is seeking. The school recently hired new athletic director Damon Evans, who has a reputation for supporting women’s athletics. SMU has also shown success with its volleyball program, going 25-8 in its first year at the ACC level.
Barnes has been linked to several coaching jobs in college and the WNBA over the past few years. She turned around Arizona’s program after joining in her third season, leading them to six straight postseason appearances, including four NCAA Tournament bids.
The move comes as a surprise to some, particularly given Barnes’s loyalty to the University of Arizona. However, it is clear that SMU offered Barnes the opportunity she was seeking. With the Mustangs’ location in Dallas and Texas’s strong financial support for women’s athletics, Barnes will have access to top talent and resources.
Barnes has a buyout of $300,000 if she leaves before April 30, 2025, making this move more financially viable.
Source: https://www.azdesertswarm.com/basketball/2025/4/5/24401668/arizona-womens-basketball-adia-barnes-head-coach-smu-mustangs-big12-acc-2025-report-update