The Arizona women's basketball program is at a pivotal junction following the announcement of Adia Barnes' departure to become the head coach at Southern Methodist University (SMU). Barnes’ tenure at Arizona spanned nine remarkable seasons during which she transformed the program, culminating in the team reaching its first-ever national championship game. As the search for her successor begins, Arizona Athletic Director Desireé Reed-Francois is confident about finding a strong candidate to lead the program forward.

“Thank you to Adia for her profound impact on Arizona Women’s Basketball," Reed-Francois expressed in an official statement. "We are starting a national search for a new head coach, and we are proud of our rich basketball history and commitment to excellence."

With Reed-Francois’ history of hiring within her previous networks, observers speculate on potential candidates who could embody her vision for the Wildcats. Drawing from her time at Missouri and Arizona, here are four compelling options for the next head coach:

1. Lindy La Rocque - Head Coach at UNLV

La Rocque is a promising candidate with impressive credentials. This 35-year-old has led the UNLV Rebels to multiple postseason appearances, earning accolades as the Mountain West Coach of the Year three times. Despite her recent statement affirming her commitment to UNLV, her connections with Reed-Francois and her familiarity with Arizona—thanks to her familial ties to the legendary Lute Olson—make her a strong contender. If Reed-Francois can navigate the path to bring her onboard, La Rocque could inject renewed energy and performance into the Wildcats.

2. Kamie Ethridge - Head Coach at Washington State

Ethridge has a reputation for maximizing her team’s potential in challenging circumstances. Under her guidance, Washington State soared to new heights, showcasing her ability to develop talent and build competitive teams. Though she has faced significant obstacles, her resilience and knack for finding hidden gems make her a candidate worth considering. Ethridge hails from Texas and might appreciate the proximity of Tucson to her roots, potentially making her an attractive option.

3. Xavier Lopez - Associate Head Coach at TCU

Lopez played a crucial role in TCU’s remarkable turnaround under head coach Mark Campbell. His previous experiences with renowned offensive strategists like Kelly Graves at Oregon have equipped him with the skills necessary to revitalize Arizona's approach on the court. As a coach who emphasizes high-scoring plays, he could appeal to a fan base that craved a more dynamic game style under Barnes. However, the uncertainty about his ability to replicate such success without extensive resources looms over his candidacy.

4. Tari Cummings-Baker - Associate Coach and Recruiting Coordinator at Baylor

Known for her prowess in recruiting, Cummings-Baker has demonstrated significant success during her four years on Nicki Collen's staff at Baylor, contributing to a top-tier recruiting class in 2021. With a solid understanding of the challenges in today’s NIL landscape, she can help Arizona strengthen its recruiting efforts facing fierce competition. Her extensive experience at various institutions in the Big 12, combined with her loyalty to prior coaching staff, suggests she could bring stability and a fresh perspective to the Wildcats.

As the Wildcats embark on this new chapter, the selection of a head coach will ultimately shape the program's future. While it remains to be seen who will step into Barnes’ illustrious shoes, the candidates listed bring diverse coaching philosophies and impressive track records that could position Arizona for continued success. Fans and alumni are eager to see which direction the university will take as it seeks to build on a proud basketball tradition. Stay tuned for updates as the search unfolds!