Lady Vols Shake Up Coaching Staff with Tubner Firing

Dismissal of assistant coach Roman Tubner raises questions about program's future direction

Apr. 13, 2026 at 2:20am

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A fragmented, geometric painting in bright orange, white, and blue hues, depicting the dynamic movements and energy of a women's college basketball game in an abstract, deconstructed style.A cubist interpretation of the high-stakes action on the court as the Lady Vols navigate a coaching shakeup and look to the future.Knoxville Today

The University of Tennessee women's basketball program has made a surprising move, firing assistant coach Roman Tubner just days after the resignation of fellow assistant Gabe Lazo. This shakeup in the Lady Vols' coaching staff comes on the heels of the team's Sweet 16 appearance in head coach Kim Caldwell's inaugural season, raising questions about the program's future direction.

Why it matters

Tubner and Lazo were instrumental in recruiting top talent to the Lady Vols, helping Caldwell build a competitive program in a short time. Their departures suggest potential turmoil within the coaching staff and could impact the team's ability to maintain its recent success and continue attracting elite players.

The details

Tubner's dismissal comes just days after Lazo's resignation, indicating a potential shift in the program's leadership and vision. While the reasons behind the coaching changes are not entirely clear, the timing suggests Caldwell may be looking to further shape the staff to her own preferences. The retention of assistants Jenna Burdette, Angel Rizor, and Lexie Barrier provides some continuity, but the hiring of Bill Ferrara from Florida State to fill Tubner's role signals Caldwell's proactive approach to maintaining a strong coaching team.

  • On April 10, 2026, assistant coach Gabe Lazo resigned from the Lady Vols basketball program.
  • On April 12, 2026, the University of Tennessee fired assistant coach Roman Tubner.

The players

Kim Caldwell

The head coach of the University of Tennessee Lady Vols basketball team, who is entering her second season with the program.

Roman Tubner

The former assistant coach of the University of Tennessee Lady Vols basketball team, who was recently fired from his position.

Gabe Lazo

The former assistant coach of the University of Tennessee Lady Vols basketball team, who recently resigned from his position.

Jenna Burdette

An assistant coach for the University of Tennessee Lady Vols basketball team, who has been retained on the coaching staff.

Bill Ferrara

The new assistant coach hired by the University of Tennessee Lady Vols basketball team, previously from Florida State University.

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What they’re saying

“These coaching changes are more than just personnel swaps. They reflect the evolving landscape of women's college basketball, where recruiting and player development are paramount.”

— Author

What’s next

The Lady Vols will need to navigate the upcoming 2025-2026 season with their slightly altered coaching staff, as they look to maintain their recent success and continue attracting top talent to the program.

The takeaway

The dismissal of assistant coach Roman Tubner, coupled with the recent resignation of Gabe Lazo, suggests potential turmoil within the Lady Vols' coaching staff. However, head coach Kim Caldwell's proactive approach to reshaping her team's leadership could also signal a strategic shift in the program's vision and priorities as they aim to build on their recent Sweet 16 appearance.