Historic Sweet 16, shock firing: Virginia’s 'Coach Mox' out after investigation

Virginia fired women’s basketball coach Amaka Agugua-Hamilton Saturday after she led the Cavaliers to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2000. On the surface, the decision was puzzling. Agugua-Hamilton, also known as "Coach Mox," had one year remaining on her deal and Virginia had its most successful season in nearly three decades.

All-ACC standout Kymora Johnson also could return for her senior season in 2026-27. But four people familiar with the situation at Virginia, including a staff member inside of the program with direct knowledge, told USA TODAY Sports that Agugua-Hamilton had been the subject of an internal investigation. The people — an NCAA women's basketball head coach, two assistant coaches and an administrator — spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the subject.

There also were allegations of staff mistreatment within the program, they said. Virginia athletics director Carla Williams and two spokespeople for the athletic department did not immediately respond to USA TODAY Sports' requests for comment. Agugua-Hamilton's agent also did not respond to a request for comment.

The news release Virginia published on its website announcing Agugua-Hamilton’s dismissal was three sentences long: "Virginia Athletics announced today (April 4) Amaka Agugua-Hamilton will not return as head coach of the women’s basketball program. Agugua-Hamilton finished her four-year tenure at UVA with a 70-58 record, including a 29-42 mark in ACC play. A national search will begin immediately.