The Alabama Crimson Tide has a new women’s basketball coach after the surprising departure of Kristy Curry to South Florida.

On Wednesday, the program and director of athletics Greg Byrne announced former assistant coach Pauline Love is returning to Tuscaloosa, this time to take the full reins on the program herself.

Love worked during the 2024-25 season with the Crimson Tide as assistant coach and recruiting coordinator, arriving to Alabama after more than half a decade at Arkansas in the same role.

“We are thrilled to welcome Pauline back to Tuscaloosa,” said Byrne. “Throughout this process, we spoke with several people, and she quickly rose to the top of that list. Pauline’s vision for this program and preparation to lead Alabama women’s basketball is incredibly impressive, and we look forward to seeing the Tide continue to rise under her leadership.”

With a reputation as one of the best recruiters and developers of talent in the women’s game, Love’s arrival marks a very exciting day for the program.

“I’m incredibly honored to lead the Alabama women’s basketball program,” said Love. “This is a place with a championship standard, and we’re going to build a team that reflects that every day through toughness, togetherness and trust. I’m excited to get to work with our players, connect with this community and build something special in Tuscaloosa. I want to thank Greg Byrne, President Mohler and the Board of Trustees for this opportunity.”

Love spent this past season at Oklahoma and has served as an assistant at Southern Miss (2013-17) and McNeese (2012-13) before coming to the SEC.