Blair’s Back: ‘I’m Returning to Redeem the Reputation of the Program’ Legendary Coach Returns to Elevate Texas A&M Women’s Athletics

Blair’s Back: ‘I’m Returning to Redeem the Reputation of the Program’

Legendary Coach Returns to Elevate Texas A&M Women’s Athletics

College Station, TX — April 14, 2025

In a stunning and emotional turn of events, legendary coach Gary Blair is returning to Texas A&M University with a singular purpose: to restore the shine and pride of the Aggies women’s athletics program.

Blair, who previously led the Texas A&M women’s basketball team to unprecedented success—including a historic 2011 NCAA National.

Championship—announced his return on Monday, this time in a broader role that extends beyond just the hardwood. At 79 years old, Blair isn’t chasing nostalgia; he’s chasing a mission. “I’m not coming back for the spotlight,” Blair said in his press conference. “I’m coming back to redeem the reputation of a program I poured my heart into. Our athletes deserve excellence, and I’m here to help deliver it.”

A New Role with Big Expectations

Unlike his previous position as head coach, Blair is stepping into a Special Advisor and Program Ambassador role within Texas A&M’s athletic department, specifically tasked with supporting and elevating women’s programs across the board. From basketball to softball, soccer, track and

Blair will serve as a guiding voice and mentor to coaches, players, and staff.

Athletic Director Trev Alberts called the move “a cultural reset.”

“We want to be the gold standard in women’s athletics, not just in the SEC, but nationally. There’s no better person to lead that charge than Coach Blair,” Alberts said. “He’s respected, he’s proven, and above all, he cares about our student-athletes.”

Rebuilding a Winning Culture

Texas A&M women’s sports have experienced a turbulent stretch over the last few years, with coaching turnover, inconsistent on-field results, and questions about institutional support. The women’s basketball team, in particular, has struggled to recapture the elite form it once had under Blair.

Since his retirement in 2022, Blair has remained close to the game, mentoring young coaches and speaking on leadership and women’s sports empowerment across the country. His return is seen as both symbolic and strategic—a move designed to reinvigorate the program from the inside out.

“I believe in Aggieland. I believe in our women. It’s time to get back to work,” Blair said with a determined look. “We’re not trying to live in the past—we’re building a new legacy.”

An Outpouring of Support

News of Blair’s return has been met with widespread praise from former players, fans, and colleagues. Former Aggie stars such as Danielle Adams, Sydney Colson, and Courtney Walker all posted tributes to Blair on social media, calling his comeback “legendary,” “inspiring,” and “what the program needs right now.”

Blair also addressed current student-athletes directly.

“This is your time,” he said. “Let’s fight, let’s win, and let’s do it the Aggie way.”

What’s Next?

While he won’t be on the sidelines calling plays, Blair’s presence will undoubtedly be felt in every practice, locker room, and team meeting. His wisdom, accountability, and passion for the game are expected to raise standards across the board.

There are also whispers that Blair may help identify and mentor future coaching hires, as Texas A&M eyes a new era of excellence in women’s sports.

One thing is certain: with Gary Blair back in the fold, Texas A&M women’s athletics just got its heartbeat back.