Tennessee announced today that Kellie Harper, the head coach, has been sacked. Harper has spent the previous five seasons leading the Volunteers.
After a “thorough review,” Danny White, the athletic director of Tennessee, announced Harper’s departure and said the program was changing.
“Decisions like these are never easy to make, especially with someone who has done so much for the Lady Vols as a three-time national champion student-athlete,” White stated in a statement. “She has an unmatched love and enthusiasm for Tennessee and the Lady Vols. She has genuinely given her all for Tennessee and has poured so much love and energy into our program.”
After being hired in 2019, Harper guided Tennessee to a 108-52 record (53-24 SEC) in her five seasons as head coach.
Additionally, White disclosed that he intends to launch a vigorous search for the next head coach. Ever after winning a national championship in 2008 under the famous head coach Pat Summitt, Tennessee has not advanced to the Final Four.
In her first two seasons on the team, Harper guided Tennessee to consecutive Sweet 16 berths. In the 2024 NCAA Tournament’s second round, North Carolina State defeated the Volunteers.
Harper took over for the fired Holly Warlick, a legendary member of the Volunteers who finished seven seasons with a 172-67 record.