After five seasons, Tennessee fires Kellie Harper.
Kellie Harper, the head coach of Tennessee, was fired on Monday after five seasons, 108 victories, and four straight trips to the NCAA Tournament. The action was taken a week after the Lady Vols were ousted from the competition’s second round. Additionally, it occurs on the same day when Harper’s buyout saw a 50% decline. It is due to her $2.22 million. Athletic director Danny White stated in a school announcement that “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.” 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. I appreciate Kellie’s leadership of our women’s basketball program and wish her and Jon well as they embark on their new phase of life. The university will launch a “aggressive search” for a new head coach, White continued. In five seasons at Knoxville, Harper, 46, finished 108-52, with a 20-13 record in 2023–2024. She has a.603 winning percentage with stops at Western Carolina, NC State, and Missouri State, totaling 393-259. Harper stated in the statement, “It has been an honor to serve at my alma mater and to coach a Lady Vol program I love so dearly.” “My staff and I are appreciative of the chance we have had to guide this remarkable group of young ladies, coach them on the court, and teach them life lessons that will serve them well in areas other than basketball.” In June, Harper’s contract was extended for a second season, extending her commitment to the show through 2027–2028. Her salary was increased to $1.1 million a year as well.
Holly Warlick, who finished seven seasons (2012–19) with a.720 winning percentage (172-67), was succeeded by her. Throughout all seven seasons, Warlick led the Lady Vols to the tournament. Harper was a coach at Western Carolina from 2004 to 2005.
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