Rhode Island hires Colleen Mullen as head coach

Colleen Mullen is the new women's basketball head coach at the University of Rhode Island.

The move was announced Sunday by athletic director Pat Lyons.

"Colleen Mullen is a proven winner who will help ensure that Rhode Island women's basketball remains at the top of the Atlantic 10," Lyons said. "She has thrived throughout her career in player development on and off the court. Her basketball record speaks for itself, and her ability to connect with student-athletes to help them reach their fullest potential in all areas is exceptional. I am thrilled to have her lead our program."

Mullen comes to Rhode Island after an eight-year stint at Albany, where she led the Great Danes to four straight 20-win seasons from 2021-25, as well as four straight national postseason appearances. Mullen's teams registered a 110-50 record over the past five seasons. The Great Danes were 59-24 in league play and 65-11 at home.

Mullen previously was the associate head coach at Army for seven seasons. While she was there, Army won two Patriot League titles, gained a pair of NCAA Tournament bids and twice went to the Women's National Invitation Tournament.

"I am honored and excited to be named the next head coach at URI," Mullen said. "My family and I are thrilled to join the Rhode Island community. I would like to thank URI President Marc Parlange, Pat Lyons, Brittney Miles and Gina Sperry for their belief in me and the opportunity to lead this program."

Mullen began her playing career in Rhode Island, playing two seasons for the Rams (1998-2000) before transferring to New Hampshire.

The URI position became available on March 23 when Tammi Reiss left to take the head coaching job at Florida. The Rams finished 28-5 this season and lost in the first round of the Women's NCAA Tournament.

--Field Level Media