Utah women’s basketball has hired former BYU assistant coach Morgan Bailey.
The Utes have seen their fair share of coaches and players be poached by the Cougars this offseason, as former Runnin’ Utes assistant coach Chris Burgess left for BYU and Kemery Martin transferred to the Cougars on May 1 and May 4, respectively. Keba Keita, a former Utes forward, transferred to BYU on May 8, following Burgess to Utah’s in-state rival.
It seems that Utah head coach Lynne Roberts has added more fuel to the rivalry by adding Bailey to her coaching staff. Bailey spent the last two seasons with BYU as an assistant and also played for the Cougars from 2010-15.
“I couldn’t pass up an opportunity like this,” Bailey said in a statement. “Utah Women’s Basketball has some big goals, goals that I want to be a part of reaching. I hope to leave a lasting mark here while learning and growing from Coach Roberts and her staff.
“I’m humbled and thankful that they felt I was the right person for the job. I’ll never forget where I came from and will stay grateful to the programs that have trusted me and for the players I’ve had a privilege to coach. I’m excited for this new adventure and for the people I get to do it with.”
Roberts, meanwhile, earned an extension with the Utes through 2030 on Tuesday after making the NCAA Tournament three seasons in a row. Roberts hopes to continue that momentum by hiring Bailey, as Utah prepares for its official entrance into the Big 12 this summer.
“I’m super excited to welcome Morgan Bailey to the U,” Roberts said. “Morgan was an unbelievable player at BYU and went on to play professionally. Since getting into coaching, she is widely respected as a great teacher of the game and a standout recruiter. She’ll be an instant impact on the court developing our post players. We are grateful that she has joined our program as we continue to strive to new heights.”
