Iowa State’s new athletic director Jared Benko faces an early challenge: finding a successor to Bill Fennelly, the Cyclones’ women’s basketball coach who will retire after the 2026-27 season. Benko, introduced on October 19 and set to start officially on October 30, acknowledged the scale of the task ahead.
“Bill’s legacy is incredible,” Benko said. “The program he’s built is incredible.” Fennelly’s record includes 656 career wins and 24 postseason appearances. Under his leadership, Iowa State reached the Elite Eight twice, captured three Big 12 Tournament titles, and won a regular-season conference championship.
The university announced on October 12 that the upcoming season would be Fennelly’s last. That means Benko will soon oversee one of the most significant coaching transitions in Cyclones history.
Benko outlined some qualities he will look for in the next coach. He wants someone willing to “grind away,” a coach who has demonstrated the ability to build a roster and has a proven track record of winning. “I think that’s always the best indicator of future success, is past success,” he said.
Fennelly’s tenure helped establish Iowa State as a contender in women’s college basketball, with a loyal fan base backing the team. Benko expects the job to attract strong candidates. “I’m sure there will be a lot of great applicants and entries,” he said.
The incoming athletic director’s comments came shortly after he was named to replace Jamie Pollard. Benko’s prior roles include athletic director at the University of Richmond and associate athletic director positions at other institutions. His first major hiring decision at Iowa State will come under the shadow of replacing a coach with a long and successful history.
Fennelly’s retirement announcement ends a 25-year run at the university. His impact extends beyond wins, having shaped the program’s identity and competitive spirit. The search for his replacement will test Benko’s ability to maintain that standard while bringing fresh energy to Cyclones women’s basketball.
According to Yahoo Sports.
