In her five seasons as head coach, Kellie Harper guided the Lady Vols to a 108-52 record (53-24 in SEC play), but on Monday, Tennessee announced that she was leaving the position.
This divide is regrettable. Being a native of Smyrna, Tennessee, Harper has a deep affection for the university. During her playing career, she helped lead the Lady Vols program under Pat Summitt to three national titles.
Harper guided the Lady Vols to back-to-back Sweet Sixteen appearances in 2022 and 2023, but she failed to reach the Elite Eight. The program hasn’t been to the Final Four since 2008, and Tennessee hasn’t finished better than third in the SEC since 2014-15.
The Lady Vols simply haven’t lived to the Lady Vol standard, and Tennesse athletic director Danny White is charged with making an important hire in hopes of restoring the brand. Here’s a look at who could potentially be the next head coach of the Tennessee’s historic women’s basketball program.
Louisville’s Jeff Walz
Because Walz has one of the best resumes you’ll find, she is seriously considered for the position. The 52-year-old has already expressed interest in the Lady Vols position.
With a 465–135 record, Walz is the most successful coach in program history all-time. The Cardinals have been led by him to the Sweet Sixteen, Elite Eight, Final Four, and two trips to the National Championship game a total of twelve times. After taking over a team that had only four tournament victories and had never advanced past the Sweet Sixteen before his arrival, Walz is 40-15 in the NCAA Tournament.
Lindsay Gottlieb of USC
In Gottlieb’s third season as head coach, the Trojans came dangerously close to defeating UConn this week, securing their spot in the Final Four. Over the course of his 14-year tenure as a college head coach, Gottlieb has enjoyed consistent success. He has also worked as an assistant coach for the Cleveland Cavaliers. Hiring her would be a great move for Tennessee.
Ole Miss Yolett McPhee-McCuin
Coach Yo at Ole Miss is the most passionate and driven coach in the women’s game. With the Lady Vols brand’s resources, she would thrive. Following two seasons of reconstruction during her first two years at Oxford, McPhee-McCuin has led the Rebels to four straight winning seasons, including three straight seasons with 20 wins, all of which were concluded with trips to the NCAA Tournament.
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