Kellie Harper Steps Down as Lady Vols Women’s Basketball Coach; UT Launches Nationwide Search for Successor

Tennessee women’s basketball head coach Kellie Harper has announced that she will not return next season, Vice Chancellor/Director of Athletics Danny White stated on Monday. White praised Harper’s accomplishments as a three-time national champion student-athlete for the Lady Vols and thanked her for her dedication and contributions to the program.

Harper, a 1999 graduate and former Lady Vols point guard, led the team to a successful record during her five seasons as head coach, with two consecutive NCAA Sweet 16 appearances. She expressed gratitude for the opportunity to coach at her alma mater and lead the Lady Vols program. With a career record of 393-260 and numerous postseason appearances as a head coach, Harper’s coaching tenure at UT included notable achievements such as back-to-back NCAA Sweet 16 appearances and a 2023 SEC Tournament Championship game.

As of now, there is no information about who will be replacing Harper as the new head coach of the Lady Vols. A nationwide search will commence immediately to find the right candidate to lead the iconic women’s basketball program. Updates on the search process will be provided once a decision has been made.