Mike Neighbors has resigned as the head coach of the University of Arkansas women’s basketball team after serving eight seasons at the helm. The university confirmed his departure in a statement released on May 14, 2025. Neighbors, who took over the program in 2017, built a reputation for revitalizing the team and helping it become competitive within the Southeastern Conference (SEC).
During his tenure, Neighbors led the Razorbacks to notable successes, including multiple NCAA tournament appearances. Under his guidance, the team achieved significant milestones, including an SEC Tournament championship game appearance in 2021. He emphasized an up-tempo, fast-paced style of play that brought excitement to the program and earned the Razorbacks national recognition.
Despite the team’s success under Neighbors’ leadership, his decision to step down comes at a time when the program was facing increased pressure to perform at an even higher level. While Neighbors’ departure may be unexpected, it reflects the challenges that come with maintaining sustained excellence in a competitive conference like the SEC.
Neighbors’ resignation marks the end of an era for the Razorbacks women’s basketball program. Over the past eight years, Neighbors helped raise the profile of women’s sports at the university, building a loyal fan base and fostering a culture of competitiveness. The team’s future now rests in the hands of the next coach, who will inherit a program that has achieved significant growth but still faces challenges on the national stage.
Arkansas athletic director Hunter Yurachek expressed gratitude for Neighbors’ contributions, noting that his leadership elevated the program and left a lasting impact. As the university begins the search for a new head coach, Razorback fans remain hopeful for continued success in the future.