By: Dallas Bowlin
Senior Staff Writer/Editor/Host
The All Vol Call In Show
Tennessee has relieved Head Coach Kellie Harper of her duties following a Sweet Sixteen loss to the NC State Wolfpack. Harper amassed an overall record of 108-52 in five seasons as the head coach of the Lady Volunteers.
While her overall record may appear successful, Harper's lack of tournament success likely contributed to her downfall, notably her failure to achieve an Elite Eight appearance. While consecutive Sweet Sixteen appearances might be considered a success at most schools, it falls short of expectations at Tennessee—a program boasting eight National Championships and 18 Final Four appearances.
Now, the administration focuses on finding the next coach best suited to lead Tennessee back to the promised land of women’s college basketball. To reach the heights it once experienced, the athletic department would be well advised to step out of the large shadow of Tennessee legend Pat Summitt, and into a new era of coaching excellence.
The next coach hired should bring to Tennessee a modern approach to coaching strategies, recruiting, and energizing a sleeping giant of a fan base and brand. While bringing a modern approach is crucial, it is also crucial that the hire is a qualified candidate with proven success at the highest of levels in all previously mentioned areas.
While Summitt’s legacy will always loom large over the program, introducing a fresh perspective from someone unburdened by the pressure of emulating their former mentor's achievements is the crucial first step towards revitalizing Tennessee as a national powerhouse in women’s hoops.
Photo Above | Tennessee Athletics