Texas Coach Defends Criticism of Players After Win Over Tennessee

Vic Schaefer compares coaching challenges at historic programs like Texas and Tennessee

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Following Texas' 65-63 win over No. 22 Tennessee, head coach Vic Schaefer defended his recent criticism of his team's effort, comparing the challenges of coaching at prestigious women's basketball programs to Tennessee's Kim Caldwell. Schaefer said the high standards and expectations at schools like Texas, Tennessee, and Stanford mean coaches like him and Caldwell aren't just aiming for "good" - they're expected to keep their teams at the top.

Why it matters

This game highlighted the intense pressure and scrutiny that comes with coaching at elite women's basketball programs, where anything short of championship-level performance is often unacceptable. Schaefer and Caldwell's public critiques of their teams reflect the challenges of maintaining a winning culture at historic powerhouses.

The details

Texas forced 23 Tennessee turnovers in the tight 65-63 victory, though the game could have easily gone the other way. After a disappointing 16-point loss to Vanderbilt less than a week ago, Schaefer ripped into his "softest team" he's had in years, challenging them to respond against another tough SEC opponent in Tennessee. The Longhorns did just that, grinding out the win despite not playing a completely dominant game.

  • Texas defeated Tennessee 65-63 on February 15, 2026.
  • Less than a week prior, Texas suffered a 16-point upset loss to Vanderbilt.

The players

Vic Schaefer

The head coach of the Texas women's basketball team, known for his high standards and demanding coaching style.

Kim Caldwell

The head coach of the Tennessee women's basketball team, who has also faced criticism for her tough approach with players.

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What they’re saying

“At the end of the day, I don't think anybody out there wants to walk in coach Caldwell's or my shoes. At two of the most tradition-rich women's basketball programs in the history of the game.”

— Vic Schaefer, Head Coach, Texas Women's Basketball (si.com)

“We're not here to be good. Good will get you fired.”

— Vic Schaefer, Head Coach, Texas Women's Basketball (si.com)

“Before you go criticizing coaches... on social media, you come walk in their shoes.”

— Vic Schaefer, Head Coach, Texas Women's Basketball (si.com)

What’s next

The Texas Longhorns will look to build on their win over Tennessee as they continue their SEC schedule, while Tennessee will aim to bounce back from the tough loss.

The takeaway

This game highlighted the immense pressure and high expectations that come with coaching at elite women's basketball programs like Texas and Tennessee, where anything short of championship-level performance is often unacceptable. Schaefer and Caldwell's public critiques of their teams reflect the challenges of maintaining a winning culture at historic powerhouses.