A YEAR CONTRACT: Lady Vols Set to Hire Johnnie Harris Amid Kim Caldwell’s Baby Health Situation…
KNOXVILLE, TN — The University of Tennessee Lady Volunteers basketball program is preparing to welcome a familiar face back to the Southeastern Conference, as former Auburn head coach Johnnie Harris is reportedly set to join the Lady Vols on a one-year contract. This decision comes in light of an unexpected family health situation involving current head coach Kim Caldwell.
Sources close to the program confirmed that Caldwell, who was hired by Tennessee earlier this year, has taken temporary leave to focus on a personal matter involving her infant child, who is currently experiencing serious health issues. The university has expressed full support for Caldwell and her family during this difficult time, granting her the time and space to prioritize her child’s care.
In Caldwell’s absence, the Lady Vols have moved quickly to secure experienced leadership to maintain continuity in the program. That search led them to Harris, a respected coaching veteran known for her defensive-minded philosophy and deep roots in women’s college basketball.
Harris most recently served as head coach at Auburn from 2021 to 2024, where she led a rebuilding effort and brought in several top-tier recruits. Prior to her time at Auburn, she served as associate head coach under Vic Schaefer at Mississippi State, helping guide the Bulldogs to multiple NCAA Tournament runs, including two Final Four appearances. Her coaching career also includes stints at Texas, Arkansas, and NC State, with a reputation for player development and strong recruiting in the Southeast.
According to interim athletic director Becky Hamlin, the decision to bring in Harris on a one-year basis was made with stability and respect in mind.
“Coach Caldwell is dealing with a deeply personal and challenging situation, and we want to give her all the time she needs,” Hamlin said in a statement. “In the meantime, we are bringing in someone we trust to lead this team forward and keep the standard of Lady Vols basketball strong. Coach Harris has the experience, the leadership, and the heart to guide this program.”
Harris is expected to be officially introduced later this week and will begin working with the team during spring workouts and recruiting. Her contract will reportedly run through the end of the 2025 season, with the understanding that Caldwell may return once she is ready.
The Lady Vols, a storied program with a legacy shaped by the legendary Pat Summitt, are entering a period of transition. Despite recent coaching changes, expectations remain high. The team boasts a strong returning core of players and a promising 2024 recruiting class that Caldwell helped assemble.
Harris has expressed her gratitude for the opportunity and support shown by the Tennessee community.
“This is a program with incredible tradition, and I’m honored to be trusted with it during this time,” Harris said in a brief statement. “My thoughts and prayers are with Coach Caldwell and her family, and I will do everything I can to support these players and this university.”
As the Lady Vols navigate this unexpected turn, the program remains unified, focused, and committed to excellence—both on and off the court.
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