Middle Tennessee State University Athletics
Matt Insell Named Head Coach of MTSU Women’s Basketball
3/24/2026 12:30:00 PM | Women's Basketball
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Following the announcement that Hall of Famer Rick Insell will retire at the end of the 2025–26 season, Middle Tennessee women's basketball has named Matt Insell as the next leader of the program. Insell becomes the eighth head coach in program history.
"No coach has shaped Middle Tennessee women's basketball more than my dad, Rick Insell," Matt Insell said. "I'm honored for the opportunity to continue the tradition he built here and to work alongside this incredible group of players, staff, and fans. I've spent my life around basketball excellence, and I will continue to give everything I have to this program, both on and off the court. I want to thank President McPhee, Director of Athletics Chris Massaro, and everyone at Middle Tennessee for trusting me to lead this program into the next chapter of its history."
"Matt Insell has been an integral part of the success of our women's basketball program for many years, and we are excited for him to lead the Blue Raiders into the next chapter," said Middle Tennessee Director of Athletics Chris Massaro. "Matt understands the championship standard that has been built here, and he has played a major role in helping shape that culture. Just as importantly, Matt brings significant experience as a head coach and assistant at the highest levels of women's college basketball. He led the program at Ole Miss for five seasons and previously spent five years on staff at Kentucky, where he was part of three Elite Eight runs. That background, combined with his deep connection to our student-athletes and his passion for Middle Tennessee, gives us great confidence that he will continue the proud tradition of this program and lead it successfully into the future."
A native of Shelbyville, Tenn., Insell enters his eighth season on the Blue Raider staff and his fourth as associate head coach after returning to his alma mater in 2018. He previously served as head coach at Ole Miss for five seasons and as an assistant at Kentucky, where he was part of four NCAA Tournament squads, including three Elite Eight teams.
Since returning to Murfreesboro, Insell has helped guide Middle Tennessee to three NCAA Tournament appearances (2021, 2023, 2024) and a WNIT semifinal run in 2022. Under the combined leadership of Rick and Matt Insell, the Blue Raiders posted one of the best seasons in program history in 2023–24, finishing 30–5 overall, sweeping the Conference USA regular season and tournament titles, and advancing to the NCAA Tournament Round of 32 with a win over Louisville. The 2022-23 team ended the season ranked No. 23 nationally in the AP Top 25 Poll—the program's first end-of-season national ranking since 2010.
"Matt Insell is the right person to lead our women's basketball program into its next chapter," said President Sidney A. McPhee. "I've had the opportunity to watch him grow as a coach and leader over the years, and he understands what it takes to succeed at Middle Tennessee. His experience, leadership, and commitment to our student-athletes—along with his deep understanding of the standard of excellence that defines this program—make him the ideal choice to carry it forward."
Insell's résumé highlights his ability to recruit and develop elite talent, including multiple All-Conference and All-America players, McDonald's All-Americans, and future professional athletes. His game preparation, strategic mindset, and focus on player development have made him a highly respected coach nationally.
"Matt Insell has been instrumental in the success of our program for the last eight years," Rick Insell said. "He understands the culture, the history, and the values that define Middle Tennessee women's basketball. I can't think of a better person to carry the torch forward and continue the legacy of excellence that our fans and players deserve."
Matt Insell and his wife, Autumn, reside in Murfreesboro with their two children, Clark and Evie.
Quotes on Matt Insell
"There's no better choice to continue the legacy of Rick than Matt. I am sure he will have as much impact on his players and the game as his dad did, and he'll honor his dad's legacy by giving his all to Middle Tennessee." - Head Coach Dawn Staley, South Carolina
"Matt Insell will continue the winning tradition that his father Rick instilled in that program for the past 20+ years. His experience in the southeastern conference as a head coach as well as being by his father's side these past few years will allow him to take that program to new heights. Matt is a savvy recruiter and I know he will put together a tremendous staff that will be great for the community there in Murfreesboro as well as the state of Tennessee. What a great decision the university made in hiring Matt to be the head coach, there at Middle Tennessee State University." - Head Coach Vic Schaefer, Texas
"Middle Tennessee built a great tradition under Coach Rick Insell. It's a program that has established itself as one of the most excellent in the country. Middle Tennessee made a great decision by entrusting Matt to continue that excellence. Matt recruits incredible talent, he is a great tactician and someone who cares about people. He is a connector and helps players develop into their very best version. I expect him to lead MTSU to many championships during his time as head coach. This is a great day for Blue Raiders Basketball." - Head Coach Matthew Mitchell, Houston
"No coach has shaped Middle Tennessee women's basketball more than my dad, Rick Insell," Matt Insell said. "I'm honored for the opportunity to continue the tradition he built here and to work alongside this incredible group of players, staff, and fans. I've spent my life around basketball excellence, and I will continue to give everything I have to this program, both on and off the court. I want to thank President McPhee, Director of Athletics Chris Massaro, and everyone at Middle Tennessee for trusting me to lead this program into the next chapter of its history."
"Matt Insell has been an integral part of the success of our women's basketball program for many years, and we are excited for him to lead the Blue Raiders into the next chapter," said Middle Tennessee Director of Athletics Chris Massaro. "Matt understands the championship standard that has been built here, and he has played a major role in helping shape that culture. Just as importantly, Matt brings significant experience as a head coach and assistant at the highest levels of women's college basketball. He led the program at Ole Miss for five seasons and previously spent five years on staff at Kentucky, where he was part of three Elite Eight runs. That background, combined with his deep connection to our student-athletes and his passion for Middle Tennessee, gives us great confidence that he will continue the proud tradition of this program and lead it successfully into the future."
A native of Shelbyville, Tenn., Insell enters his eighth season on the Blue Raider staff and his fourth as associate head coach after returning to his alma mater in 2018. He previously served as head coach at Ole Miss for five seasons and as an assistant at Kentucky, where he was part of four NCAA Tournament squads, including three Elite Eight teams.
Since returning to Murfreesboro, Insell has helped guide Middle Tennessee to three NCAA Tournament appearances (2021, 2023, 2024) and a WNIT semifinal run in 2022. Under the combined leadership of Rick and Matt Insell, the Blue Raiders posted one of the best seasons in program history in 2023–24, finishing 30–5 overall, sweeping the Conference USA regular season and tournament titles, and advancing to the NCAA Tournament Round of 32 with a win over Louisville. The 2022-23 team ended the season ranked No. 23 nationally in the AP Top 25 Poll—the program's first end-of-season national ranking since 2010.
"Matt Insell is the right person to lead our women's basketball program into its next chapter," said President Sidney A. McPhee. "I've had the opportunity to watch him grow as a coach and leader over the years, and he understands what it takes to succeed at Middle Tennessee. His experience, leadership, and commitment to our student-athletes—along with his deep understanding of the standard of excellence that defines this program—make him the ideal choice to carry it forward."
Insell's résumé highlights his ability to recruit and develop elite talent, including multiple All-Conference and All-America players, McDonald's All-Americans, and future professional athletes. His game preparation, strategic mindset, and focus on player development have made him a highly respected coach nationally.
"Matt Insell has been instrumental in the success of our program for the last eight years," Rick Insell said. "He understands the culture, the history, and the values that define Middle Tennessee women's basketball. I can't think of a better person to carry the torch forward and continue the legacy of excellence that our fans and players deserve."
Matt Insell and his wife, Autumn, reside in Murfreesboro with their two children, Clark and Evie.
Quotes on Matt Insell
"There's no better choice to continue the legacy of Rick than Matt. I am sure he will have as much impact on his players and the game as his dad did, and he'll honor his dad's legacy by giving his all to Middle Tennessee." - Head Coach Dawn Staley, South Carolina
"Matt Insell will continue the winning tradition that his father Rick instilled in that program for the past 20+ years. His experience in the southeastern conference as a head coach as well as being by his father's side these past few years will allow him to take that program to new heights. Matt is a savvy recruiter and I know he will put together a tremendous staff that will be great for the community there in Murfreesboro as well as the state of Tennessee. What a great decision the university made in hiring Matt to be the head coach, there at Middle Tennessee State University." - Head Coach Vic Schaefer, Texas
"Middle Tennessee built a great tradition under Coach Rick Insell. It's a program that has established itself as one of the most excellent in the country. Middle Tennessee made a great decision by entrusting Matt to continue that excellence. Matt recruits incredible talent, he is a great tactician and someone who cares about people. He is a connector and helps players develop into their very best version. I expect him to lead MTSU to many championships during his time as head coach. This is a great day for Blue Raiders Basketball." - Head Coach Matthew Mitchell, Houston
WBB: Matt Insell Introductory Press Conference
Tuesday, March 24
MTSU Women's Basketball Postgame Press Conference vs St. Bonaventure on 3/23/26
Monday, March 23
MT Women's Basketball | Together: Episode Twelve | Find a way
Saturday, March 14
MTSU Women's Basketball Postgame Press Conference vs Missouri State on 3/07/26
Saturday, March 07
