By ATTS 
A Legendary Chapter Closes: Joe McKeown to Retire After 2025-26 Season
In a move that marks the end of an era, Joe McKeown, the Northwestern Wildcats’ head women’s basketball coach, has declared his retirement at the close of the 2025-26 season. This decision will conclude his remarkable 18-year tenure in Evanston and an impressive 40-year career as a head coach. McKeown’s impact on Northwestern and the broader basketball community is undeniable, leaving behind a legacy defined by transformative leadership, historic achievements, and a deep commitment to his student-athletes. His journey, woven with dedication and passion, has not only elevated the Wildcats’ program but also inspired countless individuals along the way. The announcement has sent ripples through the college basketball world, prompting reflection on his storied career and the indelible mark he has left on the game.
McKeown’s journey to Northwestern was serendipitous, sparked by a conversation with Wildcat legend Michael Wilbon on a Washington, D.C., golf course. Wilbon suggested McKeown consider Northwestern, a suggestion that proved to be a turning point. McKeown reminisces, “Seventeen years ago on a golf course in Washington, D.C., Wildcat legend Michael Wilbon said I should look at Northwestern. I did, and we never looked back!” This decision led to an extraordinary chapter in Northwestern’s athletic history, filled with unprecedented success and memorable moments. As he approaches his final season, McKeown expresses excitement about coaching the Wildcats one last time, eager to add another chapter to his already impressive legacy. His gratitude for the opportunity to lead the program for nearly two decades is evident, acknowledging the honor it has been to be a part of the Northwestern community.
Throughout his 17 years at Northwestern, McKeown has not only built a winning program but has also fostered a culture of excellence and personal growth. His leadership has resulted in the program’s first Big Ten championship in 30 years, multiple NCAA Tournament appearances, and the development of several players who have gone on to play in the WNBA and other professional leagues. Beyond the accolades, McKeown’s commitment to his players and the university is evident in the lasting relationships he has cultivated. His impact extends beyond the basketball court, shaping the lives of his student-athletes and instilling in them the values of hard work, perseverance, and teamwork. As he prepares for his final season, McKeown’s focus remains on continuing to build upon the foundation he has established, ensuring that Northwestern Women’s Basketball remains a force to be reckoned with.
Transforming the Wildcats: McKeown’s Impact on Northwestern Basketball
Joe McKeown’s arrival at Northwestern in 2008 marked the beginning of a new era for the women’s basketball program. Tasked with transforming a program that had struggled for consistency, McKeown brought a vision, a wealth of experience, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. His leadership quickly began to bear fruit, as the Wildcats steadily improved, becoming a respected force in the Big Ten Conference and beyond. McKeown’s ability to identify and develop talent, coupled with his strategic acumen, propelled Northwestern to new heights, establishing the program as a perennial contender. His impact extends beyond wins and losses, fostering a culture of hard work, discipline, and teamwork that has become synonymous with Northwestern Women’s Basketball. The transformation he has overseen is a testament to his coaching prowess and his ability to inspire his players to reach their full potential.
Under McKeown’s guidance, Northwestern has achieved remarkable milestones, including 268 victories, ten winning seasons, and multiple postseason appearances. Notably, the Wildcats secured a WNIT runner-up finish in 2019 and earned two NCAA Tournament berths in 2015 and 2021, the latter of which saw them win their first tournament game in 28 years. These accomplishments are a testament to McKeown’s ability to build a competitive program and his knack for getting the most out of his players. His teams have consistently demonstrated resilience, determination, and a commitment to playing together, reflecting the values he has instilled within the program. As Northwestern continues to build upon the foundation he has laid, McKeown’s legacy will serve as a constant reminder of the heights that can be achieved through hard work, dedication, and a shared vision.
The 2020 season stands as a pinnacle of McKeown’s tenure at Northwestern, as he guided the Wildcats to a historic Big Ten regular season championship and a program-best 26 single-season wins. This remarkable achievement showcased McKeown’s coaching brilliance and his ability to maximize his team’s potential. His efforts did not go unnoticed, as he was named the runner-up for Associated Press National Coach of the Year, finishing behind only South Carolina’s Dawn Staley. Additionally, he was one of five semifinalists for the Naismith Trophy Women’s College Coach of the Year. These accolades reflect the respect and admiration McKeown has earned from his peers and the broader basketball community. His leadership during the 2020 season not only brought unprecedented success to Northwestern but also solidified his place among the elite coaches in the nation.
Accolades and Achievements: A Career Defined by Excellence
Joe McKeown’s coaching career is decorated with numerous accolades and achievements, a testament to his exceptional leadership and ability to build winning programs. A five-time Atlantic 10 Coach of the Year (1991, 1997, 2000, 2002, 2007) and the 2020 Big Ten Coach of the Year, McKeown has consistently been recognized for his coaching prowess. He is also the all-time winningest Women’s Basketball coach at both Northwestern and George Washington, solidifying his place among the coaching legends. His ability to adapt to different conferences and consistently produce successful teams is a hallmark of his career. McKeown’s coaching philosophy, centered on player development, strategic game planning, and fostering a positive team culture, has been instrumental in his success. His accolades reflect not only his individual achievements but also the collective success of the teams and players he has led throughout his distinguished career.
Beyond the individual awards, McKeown’s impact on the programs he has led is immeasurable. At Northwestern, he has transformed the Wildcats into a consistent contender, while at George Washington, he established the Colonials as a dominant force in the Atlantic 10 Conference. His ability to build lasting relationships with his players and create a supportive environment has been crucial to their success on and off the court. McKeown’s coaching extends beyond the X’s and O’s, focusing on developing well-rounded individuals who are prepared for life beyond basketball. His commitment to his players and the university has made him a beloved figure within the Northwestern community and a respected leader in the coaching profession.
Mark Jackson, Combe Family Vice President for Athletics and Recreation, lauded McKeown’s contributions to Northwestern, stating, “Coach McKeown has embodied the very best of Northwestern University throughout his incredible career. His dedication, leadership, and unwavering commitment to his student-athletes have left an indelible mark on our athletic department and on our entire university community.” Jackson’s words encapsulate the profound impact McKeown has had on Northwestern, not only as a coach but also as a mentor and role model. His influence extends beyond the basketball court, shaping the lives of his student-athletes and contributing to the overall culture of excellence within the university. As McKeown prepares for his final season, his legacy will continue to inspire and guide the Northwestern community for years to come.
Developing Talent: McKeown’s Eye for WNBA Potential
Joe McKeown’s ability to identify and develop talent has been a hallmark of his coaching career, with several of his players going on to achieve success at the professional level. At Northwestern, he has coached multiple WNBA Draft picks, including first-round selections Nia Coffey (5th overall, 2017 Draft) and Veronica Burton (7th overall, 2022 Draft), as well as third-round picks Lindsey Pulliam (2021 Draft) and Amy Jaeschke (2011 Draft). These players have not only excelled at Northwestern but have also made a significant impact in the WNBA, a testament to McKeown’s coaching and mentorship. His ability to recognize and nurture talent, coupled with his emphasis on skill development and strategic game planning, has prepared his players for the challenges of professional basketball. McKeown’s legacy extends beyond wins and losses, as he has played a crucial role in shaping the careers of these successful WNBA players.
During McKeown’s tenure, Northwestern has celebrated several program firsts, including Coffey becoming the first first-year in program history to be named First Team All-Big Ten during the 2013-14 season; Maggie Lyon’s crowning as the 2013 Big Ten Freshman of the Year; and Jaeschke becoming the first Wildcat to be selected in the WNBA Draft as the 27th pick overall by the Chicago Sky. These milestones reflect McKeown’s ability to build a program where individual players can thrive and achieve their full potential. His coaching philosophy emphasizes not only athletic development but also academic success and personal growth, ensuring that his players are well-prepared for life beyond basketball. McKeown’s commitment to his players has made him a beloved figure within the Northwestern community and a respected leader in the coaching profession.
Furthermore, under McKeown’s leadership, Northwestern has consistently ranked among the top defensive teams in the Big Ten, with point guard Ashley Deary winning back-to-back Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2016 and 2017, and Burton winning the award three years in a row from 2020-22. This defensive prowess is a testament to McKeown’s coaching acumen and his ability to instill a defensive mindset within his players. His emphasis on teamwork, communication, and strategic positioning has transformed Northwestern into a formidable defensive force. McKeown’s commitment to excellence extends to all aspects of the game, ensuring that his players are well-rounded and prepared to compete at the highest level.
A Storied Career: Reflecting on McKeown’s Coaching Journey
Joe McKeown’s overall head coaching record stands at an impressive 777–432 (.643), spanning an exceptional career that includes 17 NCAA Tournament appearances. His journey began at New Mexico State, where he amassed a 68-20 (.773) record from 1986-89, before establishing himself as one of the most successful coaches in NCAA Women’s Basketball at George Washington University. There, he led the Colonials to 15 NCAA Tournament appearances and ten Atlantic 10 regular season championships in 19 seasons. McKeown’s teams at George Washington reached the NCAA Sweet 16 four times, including a trip to the Elite Eight in the 1997 NCAA Tournament, while his 1991-92 squad achieved the program’s highest national ranking at No. 6. These accomplishments reflect his consistent success and his ability to build winning programs at different institutions. McKeown’s coaching career is a testament to his dedication, hard work, and unwavering commitment to excellence.
Before his head coaching roles, McKeown served as an assistant coach at Oklahoma from 1983-86, and at his alma mater, Kent State University, from 1979-83. As a player, McKeown earned Junior College National Small Player of the Year honors at Mercer County Community College in Trenton, N.J., where he led the Vikings to an appearance in the National Championship game and was inducted into the school’s Hall of Fame in 2024. He then transferred to Kent State, where he co-captained the Golden Flashes as a senior and earned honorable mention All-Mid-American Conference honors. His school-record 15 assists in a game still stands. McKeown’s experiences as a player and assistant coach have shaped his coaching philosophy and have contributed to his success as a head coach. His journey from player to assistant coach to head coach is a testament to his passion for the game and his commitment to continuous learning.
Off the court, McKeown and his family have been deeply involved with Autism Speaks, a cause close to their hearts. His passion for making a difference extends beyond basketball, exemplifying the profound impact he has had on the Northwestern community. His commitment to giving back and supporting important causes reflects his values and his desire to make a positive impact on the world. McKeown’s legacy extends beyond the basketball court, as he has touched the lives of countless individuals through his coaching, mentorship, and community involvement. His contributions to Northwestern and the broader community will be remembered for years to come.