“This son of a gun would be making more money than Dan Hurley”: When Kim Mulkey gave $18 million worth Geno Auriemma his flowers

Geno Auriemma and Kim Mulkey are two of the greatest coaches in women's college basketball history, with a combined total of 15 NCAA titles between them. The two icons had the rare opportunity to share the stage at the Aspen Ideas Festival on June 27, where they were interviewed by MSNBC's Stephanie Ruhle to discuss the state of women's basketball.

Jan 13, 2014; Waco, TX, USA; Geno Auriemma and Kim Mulkey speak before the game between the Connecticut Huskies and the Baylor Bears at the Ferrell Center on Jan. 13, 2014 (Credits: IMAGN)

Mulkey took a moment to pay tribute to Auriemma, who achieved tremendous success with UConn from 1995 to 2016. During that period, he led the Huskies to 11 NCAA titles, the most by any Division I coach. Mulkey, who won four NCAA titles with the Baylor Bears (2005, 2012 and 2019) and one with LSU Tigers (2023), acknowledged Auriemma's incredible achievement.

"Geno, really 11? Who wins 11 championships?" Mulkey said (Timestamp 35:41). "It’s hard, it’s hard. And so, to be on this stage with him is an honor for me. It really is because we go at it, but there’s respect there."

Mulkey dispelled the notion that there's a feud between herself and Auriemma, who is valued by Celebrity Net Worth at $18 million.

"I hear it all the time. What do you think of Geno? I think a lot of women want me to answer it a certain way and they’re shocked when I answer it a different way. I respect the hell out of what he has done," Mulkey said.

Mulkey added that Auriemma should be earning more than UConn coach Dan Hurley for what he has accomplished with the Huskies.

"I’ve said this and I’ll say it to everybody. If Connecticut had big-time football, this son of a gun would be making more money than Hurley and anybody in the men’s game as deserving," Mulkey said.

"He should, 11. For him to stay as committed to an institution as long as he has, kudos to Geno and I mean that."

Geno Auriemma signed a five-year, $18.7 million contract extension with the UConn Huskies last June, which will run through 2029. In comparison, Dan Hurley signed a six-year, $50 million contract with UConn last July to remain as head coach of the men's basketball team.

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Geno Auriemma's UConn and Kim Mulkey's LSU start strong in 2024-25 NCAA season

Geno Auriemma and Kim Mulkey remain on track to reach the NCAA Tournament this March, with the UConn Huskies and the LSU Tigers both in the top 10 of the Associated Press rankings. Auriemma and the Huskies are ranked No. 7 after winning 10 of their first 12 games.

UConn Huskies head coach Geno Auriemma speaks after becoming the NCAA all-time basketball wins leader at the Harry A. Gampel Pavilion on November 20, 2024 in Storrs, Connecticut. Photo: Getty

Mulkey and the Tigers are ranked No. 6 after starting the 2024-25 season with 14 consecutive victories. They have faced just one top-25 team this season, though, an 82-65 victory over then-No. 20 NC State on Nov. 27 in the Baha Mar Pink Flamingo Championship.