K-State women’s basketball coach Jeff Mittie comments on job interest from Missouri
Kansas State women’s basketball fans gave Jeff Mittie a round of applause as he entered the room for a NCAA Tournament watch party on Sunday evening at Bramlage Coliseum.
The warm welcome was a sign of respect for everything he has accomplished during his 11 years with the Wildcats and, perhaps, a reminder that EMAW nation wants him to remain in Manhattan for years to come.
Mittie is reportedly one of the candidates on Missouri’s wish list as the Tigers look to replace Robin Pingeton, and there is concern among K-State fans that he will consider leaving for the SEC school after K-State finishes its run in the NCAA Tournament.
He was asked if he wanted to say anything about the topic after K-State’s watch party came to an end.
“No, I don’t have anything,” Mittie said. “I mean, my focus is on this team and my focus is on this tournament. So I’m not going to respond to internet things that go on.”
It is unlikely that Mittie has engaged in serious conversations with Missouri, but that could change after K-State’s season comes to an end.
Mizzou athletic director Laird Veatch helped hire Mittie at K-State when he was a member of John Currie’s staff from 2010-17. And Mittie has won consistently during his time with the Wildcats.
Mittie has an overall record of 216-142 at K-State, and he has guided the Wildcats to the NCAA Tournament six times.
K-State will be a No. 5 seed in March Madness this season. It will open the postseason against No. 12 seed Fairfield on Friday in Lexington, Kentucky.