As usual context is everything:
The full quote: (
Jeff Jacobs: Never say ‘never’ to hiring a male or female coach )
“I hope she sends a thank you to all those guys that used to be on her staff that got her all those good players that won a championship,” Auriemma said when I asked him about McGraw’s statement. “I didn’t read the story. I don’t know anything about it. But I look at some of the top programs in America, and they seem to have pretty good coaches who happen to be men.
“Muffet is entitled to hire anybody she wants. I don’t know why she feels the need to make a statement about it. I’ve never hired a guy as one of my assistants, either. I’m not going to make a statement about it. Every coach does what they feel comfortable doing.”
I see nothing wrong with Geno's comment.
Please note the Jack Dickey's SI piece states: "In April, when a reporter mentioned Muffet’s dictum about all-woman staffs to Auriemma (who, like McGraw, employs only woman assistants), he said, 'I hope she sends a thank you to all those guys that used to be on her staff that got her all those good players that won a championship.'” If this is all MM knew of GA's comment than I would argue that what GA said was misrepresented to MM.
Nor did Jack Dickey do his homework because GA basic premise is correct. McGuff coordinated recruiting for UND for six years up thru their 2001 NC. From the Xavier Ohio introduction of McGuff as head coach (hired from asst coach at UND):
Kevin McGuff Introduced As Basketball Coach - Xavier University Athletics
In McGuff?s six years at Notre Dame, the Irish were 160-39 (a .804 winning percentage). In addition to winning the 2001 NCAA Championship, Notre Dame has advanced to at least the second round of the NCAA Tournament in all six of his years there and has advanced to the Sweet 16 four times and the Final Four twice.
"Without question, Kevin is one of the brightest young coaching minds in the country," said 16-year Notre Dame head coach Muffet McGraw. "There?s no one who is a better fit or a better choice for Xavier University than Kevin. He will have great success down there. We certainly appreciate everything he did for our program and we will miss him. "
While at Notre Dame, McGuff assisted with the day-to-day operations of the office, the planning of practices and
the coordination of Irish recruiting and scouting efforts. He also worked extensively with the ND guards and was responsible for handling the scheduling for the Irish.