Matt Insell Takes Middle Tennessee State Coaching Helm

The former Ole Miss coach assumes leadership of the program following the retirement of legendary coach Rick Insell.

Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Basketball

Matt Insell Takes Middle Tennessee State Coaching Helm

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Matt Insell has officially transitioned into the head coaching position for the Middle Tennessee State women's basketball program. This move follows the retirement of longtime head coach Rick Insell at the conclusion of the previous season.

Why it matters

The transition marks a new era for the program as it seeks to extend a 24-year postseason tournament participation streak dating back to the 2002-03 season. The team is also aiming to secure a return to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in three years.

Last season, Conference USA Freshman of the Year Blair Baugus averaged 13.5 points and 9.2 rebounds per game while shooting 37% from three-point range. Incoming transfer Mya Kone arrives with career averages of 11.4 points and 8.1 rebounds per game.

The players

Matt Insell

He is the new head coach of the Middle Tennessee State women's basketball team who previously led the program at the University of Mississippi.

Rick Insell

He is the former head coach of the Middle Tennessee State women's basketball team who now serves as a senior adviser on the staff.

Blair Baugus

She is a standout player for the team who earned Conference USA Freshman of the Year honors last season.

Mya Kone

She is a transfer player from the University of Miami who was recognized as the Conference USA Sixth Player of the Year in 2023-24.

The details

The coaching staff retains assistants Tom Hodges, Kim Brewton, and Nina Davis while adding former players Jalynn Gregory and Gracie Dodgen. Rick Insell remains involved with the team in the capacity of a senior adviser.

The team began its postseason tournament participation streak during the 2002-03 season.
Matt Insell served as the head coach for the University of Mississippi from 2013 to 2018.
Matt Insell began his tenure coaching under Rick Insell in 2018.
Mya Kone was named the Conference USA Sixth Player of the Year during the 2023-24 season.
The upcoming season opener against Saint Louis is scheduled for Nov. 2, 2026.

Season Trajectory

This coaching change follows the 2002-03 postseason streak precedent and directly influences the team's immediate ability to maintain its competitive standing. The new staff must integrate key returners and transfers to reclaim a spot in the NCAA Tournament field.

The staff must optimize the contributions of Blair Baugus and Mya Kone to improve upon last year's 17-16 record. Success in the upcoming season opener against Saint Louis on Nov. 2, 2026, will be the first indicator of the team's new offensive identity.

The takeaway

Maintaining a historic postseason streak requires balancing new leadership strategies with the retention of veteran coaching staff. Fans can look for immediate changes in player rotations during the early non-conference schedule.