Bill Fennelly to retire after 32nd season at Iowa State

Iowa State University head women's basketball coach Bill Fennelly announced on Monday, October 12, 2026, that he will retire at the end of the 2026-27 season. The Associated Press, Yahoo Sports, and Iowa State Athletics all reported the announcement. The coming campaign will mark his 32nd season leading the Cyclones program in Ames, Iowa. [2][6][9][12]

Fennelly, who is 69 years old, has accumulated 822 career victories, which ranks 15th in college basketball history, as reported by Yahoo Sports. During his tenure at Iowa State, he has compiled a record of 656 wins and 335 losses. Yahoo Sports also noted that his 302 Big 12 Conference wins are the most in the history of the league. [2][3][6]

Under his leadership, Iowa State has made 26 total postseason appearances, including 24 NCAA Tournament berths, according to the Associated Press and Yahoo Sports. Iowa State University, located in Ames, Iowa, was founded in 1858 and is a public land-grant research university. [2][3][6][12]

Fennelly will complete his final campaign during the 2026-27 season before stepping down from his post. [2][6][9]