Bill Fennelly Announces Final Season at Iowa State

There was a time when the Iowa State women's basketball team barely drew any fans to Hilton Coliseum in Ames. But that all changed when ISU hired Bill Fennelly. The legendary Cyclone coach announced that the upcoming basketball season will be his last at Iowa State.

Bill Fennelly Announces Retirement

The Des Moines Register reports that the 2026-2027 Iowa State women's basketball season will be the last for head coach Bill Fennelly. The 69-year-old made the announcement on Monday, saying that his 32nd season in Ames will be his last.

Fennelly's time with the ISU women's program ties him for the third-longest-tenured coach in any program in Cyclone history, according to the Register.

Cyclone Success Under Fennelly

Fennelly helped turn Iowa State into one of the top women's basketball programs in the nation. The Register reports that the Davenport native who arrived from Toledo helped turn Iowa State into an NCAA Tournament regular. Under Fennelly, the Cyclones reached the Sweet 16 four times and the Elite Eight twice. He also guided Iowa State to three Big 12 Conference Tournament titles.

Why Is Fennelly Retiring at Iowa State?

The Register reports that several factors led to Fennelly deciding to step down. Long-time Iowa State AD Jamie Pollard is also retiring. His son Stephen and his family are moving away to Arizona. And Fennelly noted that the death of a family friend made him stop and think about life and coaching.

So what comes after coaching? Fennelly told the Register that spending time with family, especially his grandkids, comes first. He stated, "Time to go into the full-time grandpa portal."

You've earned it. coach.