The search for a new coach for the Lady Vols is underway as Tennessee seeks to replace Kellie Harper after her five-season tenure. Danny White is exploring potential candidates to fill this crucial role. Tennessee recently announced the departure of Kellie Harper, who achieved a 108-52 record (53-24 in SEC play) during her time as head coach, although she fell short of reaching the Elite Eight despite leading the team to back-to-back Sweet Sixteen appearances in 2022 and 2023. The program’s performance has not met the historic standards set by the Lady Vols, prompting the need for a significant hire to revitalize the brand.
Among the potential candidates is Kara Lawson, a former Lady Vol with an impressive background in collegiate and professional basketball, broadcasting, and coaching. Lawson, who has led Duke to consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances, including a Sweet Sixteen berth this season, is viewed as a strong contender for the position.
Another notable candidate is Jeff Walz from Louisville, who boasts an impressive coaching record, including multiple Sweet Sixteen, Elite Eight, Final Four, and National Championship game appearances. Walz’s success at Louisville makes him a compelling candidate for the Lady Vols coaching position.
