Alabama hires former assistant Pauline Love as head coach

Alabama hired former Crimson Tide assistant Pauline Love as the new women's basketball coach on Wednesday.

Love replaces Kristy Curry, who departed last week after 13 seasons to become the head coach at South Florida.

Love was the associate head coach at Oklahoma in 2025-26 after one season on the Alabama sidelines.

"We are thrilled to welcome Pauline back to Tuscaloosa," athletic director Greg Byrne said. "Throughout this process, we spoke with several people, and she quickly rose to the top of that list. Pauline's vision for this program and preparation to lead Alabama women's basketball is incredibly impressive, and we look forward to seeing the Tide continue to rise under her leadership."

The Crimson Tide finished 24-11 this season after losing to Louisville in the second round of the Women's NCAA Tournament.

Love helped Oklahoma reach the Sweet 16, finishing 26-8.

"I'm incredibly honored to lead the Alabama women's basketball program," Love said. "This is a place with a championship standard, and we're going to build a team that reflects that every day through toughness, togetherness and trust. I'm excited to get to work with our players, connect with this community and build something special in Tuscaloosa. I want to thank Greg Byrne, President (Peter) Mohler and the Board of Trustees for this opportunity."

Love also worked as an assistant coach at Arkansas, McNeese and her alma mater, Southern Miss, where she was a three-time All-Conference USA selection.

--Field Level Media