MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WGNS) — A titan of Middle Tennessee athletics is preparing to call it a career. Rick Insell, the Hall of Fame tactician who transformed the Lady Raiders into a perennial national power, announced Thursday that this 2025-26 season will be his last on the sidelines.
Key Points
Historic Legacy: Coach Rick Insell departs as the winningest coach in Middle Tennessee history with over 500 collegiate victories and 21 consecutive postseason appearances.
Succession Plan: Current associate head coach Matt Insell has been named the successor and will officially become the eighth head coach in the program's history.
Formal Introduction: A press conference to introduce Matt Insell is scheduled for Tuesday, March 24, at 11 a.m. at the Kennon Sports Hall of Fame.
National Recognition: Insell’s Hall of Fame career includes 10 conference tournament titles and the distinction of being the only coach to win 500 games at both the high school and DI levels.
Since returning to his alma mater 21 seasons ago, Insell has amassed a staggering 505 victories. His tenure has been defined by metronomic consistency, including 12 NCAA Tournament bids and 10 conference regular-season championships split between the Sun Belt and Conference USA. University President Sidney A. McPhee praised Insell not just for the hardware, but for the "enduring legacy" and personal relationships built over decades of service to the Murfreesboro community.
The transition of power will remain within the family. Matt Insell, who currently serves as associate head coach, will take the reins of the program following his father’s retirement. The university has moved quickly to solidify the future, scheduling a formal introduction for the younger Insell next Tuesday.
Before his arrival at MTSU, Rick Insell was already a legend in Middle Tennessee, having led Shelbyville Central High School to 10 TSSAA state titles. He remains the only coach in basketball history to surpass the 500-win milestone at both the high school and NCAA Division I levels.
In a heartfelt statement, Insell expressed gratitude to his wife, Deb, his three sons, and the "Blue Raider Nation" for their unwavering support. "This program will always hold a special place in my heart," Insell said, noting he looks forward to spending more time with his 13 grandchildren while remaining a fixture at MTSU athletic events.
