He will be back in 2 to 3 years doing this again. I have no idea why this has to be pointed out but DW has a wife and 2 daughters. His boss is a women who has always had an eye on all UT sports including the women's program. Randy and Jennie have supported the track and field program at UT and the baseball and softball programs. All the above have skin in the game of women's sports. Our new coach may well be a moneyball hire, but she needs resources. Powell Rickea and Key are gone and this does open up Booster Her money and NIL opportunity. Positive support is NIL and collective resources to recruit. The level expected and DEMANDED even in her first year is a NCAA berth. If she is as competitive as we are told she is, she knows this. The timing of this change in my opinion has much to do with Barnes and realizing the end is near as he rides off into the sunset. His last class he really has a real tie with will be sr's next year. No way DW wanted to make two hires in one cycle. So in DW's best interest he makes sure she is successful so the trust is present with the UT hierarchy when he starts the search for the next men's bb coach. JMO
Like Kellie, Kim will have to rethink some of her strategies to update them to SEC skill-levels.
I, too, have concerns about recruiting with Coach Caldwell. That said, I hope her first interview is with Coach Sam and she retains her on the staff. If that happens, we have someone who,at least, has contact and familiarity, if not a full blown relationship, with the recruits she will likely need.
You kinda get the feeling from watching and listening to her that she can certainly get the attention of those around her when she needs to. I think maybe her personality will be attractive to players if, like you said, she gets the opportunities to meet in person with players. Her energy is both warm AND strong, which is a good combo.
I appreciate your earlier post which tracked the history of White hires. He seems to be a high roller type who wins some and looses some at around the rate of chance. So long as folks only remember the wins and forget or excuse the losses, he can be THE GOAT OF ADs. I get the Heupel love. He took over a moribund program. Had a magical season (albeit which fizzled toward the end) and got the signature win against Saban and his evil empire. All great stuff but last season raises some questions about how sustainable this will be and if the Vols can stay near the top or if they become middle of the pack in an even more competitive conference. I agree with you that it is a little early to declare him the homerun hire of the century. The next 2 seasons will sort that out.
