Tennessee Coach Kim Caldwell Laments 'Worst Year' After Early NCAA Tournament Exit

Caldwell takes responsibility for Lady Volunteers' 16-14 season, the program's lowest winning percentage since 1981-82.

Mar. 21, 2026 at 7:54pm

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Tennessee women's basketball coach Kim Caldwell took full responsibility for her team's dismal 16-14 season, the program's worst since the first year of NCAA-sanctioned women's basketball in 1981-82. The Lady Volunteers were eliminated in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, their eighth straight loss after their last win on February 12. Caldwell acknowledged she 'bailed' on her original plan to run and press, and the team never found consistent rotations or clear leadership under her direction.

Why it matters

Tennessee is one of the most storied women's basketball programs, known for its sustained excellence under legendary coach Pat Summitt. Caldwell's struggles in her second season have raised questions about the future direction of the Lady Volunteers, who have played in every NCAA Tournament since its inception.

The details

Tennessee finished the season 16-14, the program's lowest winning percentage since the 1981-82 season. The 10th-seeded Lady Volunteers were eliminated in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, losing 76-71 to No. 7 seed NC State. Caldwell, in her second year as Tennessee's head coach, said she 'bailed' on her original plan to run and press, and the team never found consistent rotations or clear leadership under her direction.

  • Tennessee's last win was on February 12, 2026.
  • The Lady Volunteers were eliminated from the NCAA Tournament on March 20, 2026.

The players

Kim Caldwell

The second-year head coach of the Tennessee Lady Volunteers women's basketball team.

NC State

The No. 7 seed that defeated Tennessee 76-71 in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Tournament.

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What they’re saying

“I can't put it on roster construction. I gotta put it on me, right? I've always been able to recruit players … and get them to run through a wall for me and get them to play hard. I wasn't able to do that, and the one thing I can put my finger on is that I bailed on what we want to do first, and then how can I blame anyone else from doing it?”

— Kim Caldwell, Tennessee Head Coach

“It was the worst year of my professional career. Our players deserve better than that from me, and you learn from that going forward.”

— Kim Caldwell, Tennessee Head Coach

What’s next

Caldwell and the Tennessee program will need to evaluate the roster and make necessary adjustments in the offseason to bounce back from this disappointing season.

The takeaway

Kim Caldwell's candid self-reflection and acceptance of responsibility for Tennessee's struggles this season demonstrates her commitment to the program and its players. However, the Lady Volunteers' storied history means the pressure will be on Caldwell to quickly turn things around and restore the team to its usual high level of performance.