Following the retirement of longtime Crimson Tide coach Rick Moody, Staley was interviewed as one of the top candidates for the head coaching position at Alabama. While she eventually turned down the position, Staley recalled the process led by longtime Alabama athletics director Mal Moore; she described him as a “great man.”

Dawn Staley reflects on Mal Moore, Alabama women's basketball job interview back in 2005 while she was back in the state with South Carolina in the Elite Eight.

How Khadijah Sessions balances out Dawn Staley and uses her former playing experience to help South Carolina women's basketball succeed in March.

The former point guard and Hall of Famer is an unapologetic model for this generation of Black coaches and players, and the most influential voice in her field.

It really plays on your ability to compartmentalize,” said Staley, adding that she’s already talking with potential transfers and their reps.

University of South Carolina Head Coach Dawn Staley watches the team during practice at the Legacy Arena in Birmingham on Thursday, March 27, 2025. The Gamecocks will play the Maryland Terrapins in the Birmingham 2 regional of the NCAA Tournament at Legacy Arena. Tracy Glantz [email protected]