Following Kellie Harper’s dismissal on Monday, the women’s basketball team at Tennessee is looking for its 19th head coach in school history. Under Harper, the Lady Vols have had some success, but they haven’t been able to secure a spot in the SEC or NCAA Tournament.
After being appointed in 2019, Harper will have a 108–52 record when her time as Tennessee’s women’s basketball coach comes to an end. Holly Warlick, a player and assistant coach under Pat Summitt, was replaced by her. Pat Summitt was a player for Harper as well, and that affected Tennessee’s choices.
This may be the first time since 1973 that Tennessee has hired a coach for women’s basketball who isn’t Pat Summit or has some sort of relationship to her from their time as players or assistant coaches. It’s obvious that a quick five-hour drive east of Knoxville is the best option if Danny White and the athletic department wish to keep the hiring process inside the “family.”
Kara Lawson
Kara Lawson of Duke should get a call first if Tennessee wishes to lure another former player under Pat Summitt to Knoxville. After playing for the Vols from 1999 to 2003, she went on to play for 13 years in the WNBA before coming back to teach collegiate basketball.
Although she lacks a stellar record or remarkable postseason run to her credit, she personifies the Summitt brand of basketball. With a 68-33 overall record at Duke, Lawson has guided the Blue Devils to consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances. They lost in the Second Round the previous season, and this year Duke made it to the Sweet Sixteen before falling short.
Although Lawson wouldn’t be a great addition to Knoxville as head coach, she could be able to bring in another former player. I don’t think Tennessee will replace Harper with another former player, but Lawson is a terrific possibility if the athletic administration decides to give it another go, provided that Candace Parker isn’t prepared to step away from the WNBA and broadcasting.
Jeff Walz
Before Harper was revealed as the 2019 Lady Vols head coach, Jeff Walz was connected to the position. Throughout his 17 seasons at Louisville, he has made four Final Four appearances and 15 trips to the NCAA Tournament.
The Lady Vols would have to work hard to obtain this. Walz is probably not interested in leaving Louisville anytime soon because he has established a foundation there. Tennessee would have to pay a large buyout if they were to go for the fences and sign the home run hire, which may swiftly raise expectations for Walz.
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