Tennessee AD Affirms Support for Lady Vols Coach

Danny White says Kim Caldwell is 'doing a great job' despite recent struggles

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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Tennessee Athletics Director Danny White expressed his full support for Lady Vols head coach Kim Caldwell during a radio interview, despite the team's six-game losing streak to end the regular season. White said he remains confident in Caldwell's leadership and believes she is building the program back to the high standards expected at Tennessee.

Why it matters

The Lady Vols have struggled this season, but White's public backing of Caldwell signals the administration's commitment to her vision for the program. As a high-profile women's basketball job, the Tennessee position carries significant expectations, and White's comments aim to quell any doubts about Caldwell's future.

The details

White praised Caldwell's basketball acumen and leadership, saying 'I am as confident in her as I was the day I hired her – more confident.' He acknowledged the team's disappointing 16-12 record and 8-8 SEC mark, but expressed optimism about the program's future direction, including the recruiting efforts. The Lady Vols are the 6-seed in this week's SEC Tournament and will face the winner of Alabama-Missouri in the second round.

  • The Lady Vols finished the regular season with a 6-game losing streak.
  • Tennessee will play its first SEC Tournament game on Thursday, March 6, 2026.

The players

Danny White

The Athletics Director at the University of Tennessee, who hired Kim Caldwell as the Lady Vols' head coach in 2024.

Kim Caldwell

The head coach of the Tennessee Lady Vols women's basketball team, who is in her second season leading the program.

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What they’re saying

“I think she is doing a great job. I am as confident in her as I was the day I hired her – more confident. Just getting a chance to work closely with her and see how talented she is as a basketball mind, as a leader.”

— Danny White, Tennessee Athletics Director (The Sports Animal)

“We expect to get the Lady Vols back to their rightful place in the women's basketball world. But nobody, including myself, thought this was ever going to be a quick fix. I think it takes time to get it right and to get where we want to be. Kim's doing a great job.”

— Danny White, Tennessee Athletics Director (The Sports Animal)

What’s next

The Lady Vols will open the SEC Tournament on Thursday, March 6, 2026, facing the winner of the Alabama-Missouri first-round matchup.

The takeaway

Despite the Lady Vols' recent struggles, Tennessee's athletics director has expressed unwavering support for head coach Kim Caldwell, signaling the administration's commitment to rebuilding the program to its championship-caliber standards, even if it takes time.