As others have said, Mulkey was hired to make the LSU women's program relevant, which she has done. And she may actually be a good coach. But by many accounts (do your own reading) she's not a great person, and she's not someone for whom I have a positive opinion. Drama and controversy seems to gravitate toward her, so I will bet that this WaPo piece is far more than a "hit piece", particularly if it's been in the works for 2+ years.
"The best defense is a good offense" - Captain Kirk, among others. Timing aside, she was sent a list of questions and THEN she hired a lawyer. She knows that there's likely no good defense, so her only option is to come out swinging and hope to change the narrative.
Get the popcorn.