And again! Connecticut became the first Division I program to win 12 NCAA titles, all under one man — Geno Auriemma. Speculation about the 71-year-old’s retirement has been rampant for the past few years. But the head coach answered all those rumors with a title, the first since 2016! So, is it the end for the winningest college basketball coach, or is there another title still left for him now? Who better to answer than his former student, who once stated: “He’s an expert in leadership… No one could take a group of people and lead them like Coach can.”

Back in February, the Huskies legend and former student Diana Taurasi praised the head coach. Fast forward to today, the WNBA icon was discouraging any such retirement talks. It was Sue Bird, on the ESPN’s alternate broadcast, who asked her co-host Taurasi: “Is Coach Auriemma gonna retire if they win?”

The UConn legend answered: “I don’t think he will. I think he looks at winning it this year and having Sarah Strong for another 3 years. He sees another opportunity to build another dynasty.” But Diana Taurasi was not alone, as Caitlin Clark also revealed her two cents.

The WNBA star also felt that Geno Auriemma wouldn’t retire today!

“It’s a tough question… this is year 40. He got through Paige. I think he’s got a soft spot for Azzi [Fudd], I really think he does. I think he coaches one more after this with Azzi, and then maybe he heads out.” The current Fever superstar spoke on ESPN’s Bird & Taurasi Show during the 3rd quarter of the game, with 3 minutes left.

For Clark, UConn was always the dream destination. But that dream never became a reality, as the coach already had a commitment from Paige Bueckers. Even though CC never became a Husky, she knows the coach well. That’s why she and DT felt at the time that coach Geno Auriemma wouldn’t retire soon.

However, the third person on the show and Taurasi’s co-host, Sue Bird, suggested that the 71-year-old could consider stepping away. But at the end of the day, what does the Huskies coach feel about these rumors?

Geno Auriemma had previous thoughts about retirement, but…

Just last Saturday, on April 5th, the Hall of Famer candidly revealed his ill feelings about leaving coaching for good. “I’ve quit five times every year.”

Why? Well, the head coach added, “I’ll go to practice and on my way home, I go, that’s it. ‘I’m not going to go to practice tomorrow; I’m calling in sick for life; I’m out.'” However, such thoughts quickly leave his mind, and the grind eventually continues.

Last year in March, Geno Auriemma confirmed it would have been year 39 and out if Paige Bueckers did not return. “One [WNBA eligible player] is coming back. I mean it’s gonna be my 40th year. It only would have been 39 if [Bueckers] wasn’t coming back.” This was reported by CT Insider’s Maggie Vanoni. Now that she is finally entering the draft and with being a consensus number 1 pick, the Coach shared the emotional message he shared with the 23-year-old.

“I love you, that’s all I can say,” Geno whispered. Later, Paige smiled and said, “He told me he loves me. I told him I hated him. I love that man more than words can describe.” No doubt, it’s an emotional moment for Geno Auriemma.

However, as Diana Taurasi and Caitlin Clark suggested, they felt the Huskies coach would not retire soon. Even Azzi Fudd, the current UConn star, is set to return for her final year of eligibility. Plus, Sarah Strong is still a freshman and 19, so she is also not going anytime soon. The only question remains if the Coach actually retires after the 12th title or continues to build another dynasty.