South Carolina women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley has recently interviewed for head coaching roles, including one with the New York Knicks. Despite her efforts, she remains skeptical about the prospect of a female head coach entering the NBA in the near future.

“If I’m the Knicks coach and you have a five-game losing streak, it’s not going to be about the losing streak. It’s going to be about being a female coach.”

Staley explained that an organization needs to be ready to support a female coach amid potential scrutiny.

She accepted the interview with the Knicks because of her long-term relationship with team president Leon Rose. The team eventually selected Mike Brown, who previously coached the Sacramento Kings before his hiring.

Staley also applied for the head coach position with the Portland Trail Blazers in 2021. However, she does not consider the outcome of not securing an NBA job to be a huge setback, especially since her Gamecocks have clinched two national championships in the last four years.

Staley expressed her doubts about seeing a woman as an NBA head coach in her lifetime:

“No, I don’t, and I hope I’m wrong.”

Nevertheless, she stated her readiness to assist any woman aspiring to be the first female NBA head coach:

“If there’s someone interested in being the first female NBA coach, I have all the information they need.”

Staley encourages interested candidates to seek her guidance in preparing for interviews and the reality of the situation. She added,

“It’s not just about hiring the first female coach.”