Kim Caldwell (Rookie Coach of the Year-WBCA) is named Head Coach of Iconic Lady Vols WBB

[YankeeVol]

This was my thinking with the Gail G suggestion. Barnes also struggled at TX (see image) leading up to coming here, but he is a great coach and look how that turned out for us! Fantastic!
But, my first choice is Hammon, for sure.

The women's program is in a way different spot. That would be a garbage hire.

 

[dazzleme]

The women's program is in a way different spot. That would be a garbage hire.

This looks like some good garbage to me...

Gail Goestenkors, who has 20 years of power-five head coach experience and is a member of the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame, is in her third year with Kentucky.

She is currently serving her second year as the special assistant to the head coach in 2023-24. She served as an assistant coach in 2021-22, helping Kentucky to 10 straight wins en route to the 2022 SEC Tournament Championship title.

Goestenkors brings an incredible amount of experience to Lexington. The 2015 Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame inductee has succeeded at every stop in her illustrious 30-plus year career, including head coaching positions at Duke and Texas, WNBA assistant coach stops with the Los Angeles Sparks and Indiana Fever and numerous head and assistant coach roles with USA Basketball.

Throughout her career, Goestenkors is a seven-time Atlantic Coast Conference Coach of the Year, 2003 (Naismith and WBCA) and 2007 (Associated Press) National Coach of the Year, advanced to 19 NCAA Tournaments with four Final Fours and two NCAA runner-up finishes, and won four gold medals with USA Basketball, including golds as an assistant coach in the 2004 and 2008 Olympics.

Goestenkors comes to Kentucky after one season as the associate head coach at Central Michigan last season, helping the Chippewas to 18-9 record, Mid-American Conference Tournament Championship and first-round appearance in the NCAA Tournament. CMU was one of the best offensive teams in the nation in 2020-21, ranking 18th nationally in field-goal percentage, 17th in free-throw percentage and 15th in scoring offense with 77.7 points per game. Central Michigan ranked sixth nationally in 3-pointers made with 270 and fifth in 3-pointers made per game with 10.0. Star guard Micaela Kelly had an incredible season with Goestenkors tutelage, ranking top-10 nationally in total points and points per game, while she joined teammates Molly Davis and Maddy Watters in 3-pointers made with each hitting over 65 treys.

Prior to her one season in Mount Pleasant, Michigan, Goestenkors was a national women’s basketball analyst for ESPN from 2014-18 and was co-owner of a coaching consulting company called Coaching Full Circle, working with collegiate coaches all over the country. She spent 2014 as an assistant coach with the LA Sparks and 2015 as an assistant coach with the Indiana Fever.

One of the most successful women’s basketball coaching tenures in NCAA history belongs to Goestenkors as she was the head coach at Duke from 1992-2007. During her tenure at Duke, the Blue Devils went to four Final Fours, two national championship games, had an ACC record 51-game winning streak against conference opponents, five straight ACC Championships, seven consecutive 30-win seasons, five straight ACC regular-season championships, seven straight top-five recruiting class and 13 20-plus win seasons.

Overall, Goestenkors held an incredible 396-99 (.800) overall record while the head coach at Duke, including a 179-55 (.765) mark in the ACC. She became the head coach of Texas in 2007, starting a five-year tenure with the Longhorns that included five NCAA Tournament bids and three 20-win seasons.

Goestenkors has developed and coached some of the game’s best during her tenure, including Duke guard Alana Beard, who was a three-time All-American and unanimous national player of the year in 2004. Beard set the school record for scoring with 2,687 points and became the first NCAA basketball player to amass over 2,600 points with 500 assists and 400 steals.

Goestenkors’ players have accumulated an impressive array of individual awards. Included in that total are eight national player of the year honors, five Kodak All-Americans, seven AP All-Americans, seven national freshman of the year award winners and five league player of the year winners. In addition, her players earned a combined 53 all-conference honors in the ACC and in the Big 12 and a combined 75 academic all-conference accolades in the two leagues. Eleven of Goestenkors’ former players went on to play in the WNBA.

Goestenkors’ experience goes behind the collegiate level as she has had amazing success with USA Basketball. Six times she helped represent the United States in an international competition, including earning gold medals at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and 2004 Athens Olympics as an assistant coach. She has been head coach internationally for USA Basketball four times, winning gold at the 2005 FIBA Under-19 Women’s Basketball World Cup, 2002 FIBA World Championship for Women, silver at the 1997 William Jones Cup and bronze at the 2006 FIBA World Championship for Women.

Prior to her Duke tenure, Goestenkors spent from 1986 to 1992 as an assistant coach under Lin Dunn at Purdue. During her time there, the Boilermakers posted a 135-42 record, five consecutive 20-win seasons and earned five NCAA Tournament appearances, including two Sweet 16 showings. Purdue claimed its first-ever Big Ten Championship in 1991 and were ranked third in the final AP Top 25.

 

[YankeeVol]

This looks like some good garbage to me...

Gail Goestenkors, who has 20 years of power-five head coach experience and is a member of the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame, is in her third year with Kentucky.

She is currently serving her second year as the special assistant to the head coach in 2023-24. She served as an assistant coach in 2021-22, helping Kentucky to 10 straight wins en route to the 2022 SEC Tournament Championship title.

Goestenkors brings an incredible amount of experience to Lexington. The 2015 Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame inductee has succeeded at every stop in her illustrious 30-plus year career, including head coaching positions at Duke and Texas, WNBA assistant coach stops with the Los Angeles Sparks and Indiana Fever and numerous head and assistant coach roles with USA Basketball.

Throughout her career, Goestenkors is a seven-time Atlantic Coast Conference Coach of the Year, 2003 (Naismith and WBCA) and 2007 (Associated Press) National Coach of the Year, advanced to 19 NCAA Tournaments with four Final Fours and two NCAA runner-up finishes, and won four gold medals with USA Basketball, including golds as an assistant coach in the 2004 and 2008 Olympics.

Goestenkors comes to Kentucky after one season as the associate head coach at Central Michigan last season, helping the Chippewas to 18-9 record, Mid-American Conference Tournament Championship and first-round appearance in the NCAA Tournament. CMU was one of the best offensive teams in the nation in 2020-21, ranking 18th nationally in field-goal percentage, 17th in free-throw percentage and 15th in scoring offense with 77.7 points per game. Central Michigan ranked sixth nationally in 3-pointers made with 270 and fifth in 3-pointers made per game with 10.0. Star guard Micaela Kelly had an incredible season with Goestenkors tutelage, ranking top-10 nationally in total points and points per game, while she joined teammates Molly Davis and Maddy Watters in 3-pointers made with each hitting over 65 treys.

Prior to her one season in Mount Pleasant, Michigan, Goestenkors was a national women’s basketball analyst for ESPN from 2014-18 and was co-owner of a coaching consulting company called Coaching Full Circle, working with collegiate coaches all over the country. She spent 2014 as an assistant coach with the LA Sparks and 2015 as an assistant coach with the Indiana Fever.

One of the most successful women’s basketball coaching tenures in NCAA history belongs to Goestenkors as she was the head coach at Duke from 1992-2007. During her tenure at Duke, the Blue Devils went to four Final Fours, two national championship games, had an ACC record 51-game winning streak against conference opponents, five straight ACC Championships, seven consecutive 30-win seasons, five straight ACC regular-season championships, seven straight top-five recruiting class and 13 20-plus win seasons.

Overall, Goestenkors held an incredible 396-99 (.800) overall record while the head coach at Duke, including a 179-55 (.765) mark in the ACC. She became the head coach of Texas in 2007, starting a five-year tenure with the Longhorns that included five NCAA Tournament bids and three 20-win seasons.

Goestenkors has developed and coached some of the game’s best during her tenure, including Duke guard Alana Beard, who was a three-time All-American and unanimous national player of the year in 2004. Beard set the school record for scoring with 2,687 points and became the first NCAA basketball player to amass over 2,600 points with 500 assists and 400 steals.

Goestenkors’ players have accumulated an impressive array of individual awards. Included in that total are eight national player of the year honors, five Kodak All-Americans, seven AP All-Americans, seven national freshman of the year award winners and five league player of the year winners. In addition, her players earned a combined 53 all-conference honors in the ACC and in the Big 12 and a combined 75 academic all-conference accolades in the two leagues. Eleven of Goestenkors’ former players went on to play in the WNBA.

Goestenkors’ experience goes behind the collegiate level as she has had amazing success with USA Basketball. Six times she helped represent the United States in an international competition, including earning gold medals at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and 2004 Athens Olympics as an assistant coach. She has been head coach internationally for USA Basketball four times, winning gold at the 2005 FIBA Under-19 Women’s Basketball World Cup, 2002 FIBA World Championship for Women, silver at the 1997 William Jones Cup and bronze at the 2006 FIBA World Championship for Women.

Prior to her Duke tenure, Goestenkors spent from 1986 to 1992 as an assistant coach under Lin Dunn at Purdue. During her time there, the Boilermakers posted a 135-42 record, five consecutive 20-win seasons and earned five NCAA Tournament appearances, including two Sweet 16 showings. Purdue claimed its first-ever Big Ten Championship in 1991 and were ranked third in the final AP Top 25.

I know who she is, but thanks for the quick Wiki recap. She sucked at Texas

She's 61. No thanks

 

[Majac]

Except for money or ego, who in their right mind would want to come to Tennessee. Kelly, and even Holly, did have some success, but never enough for the get us to a final 4 or leave crowd.

 

[NighthawkVol]

The women's program is in a way different spot. That would be a garbage hire.

Also, Barnes didn’t struggle at Texas. He’s the greatest coach in the history of that program.

 

[LVCT]

I said this on an earlier post that may not have been seen, but I also think folks probably look at all of the rights being rolled back in Nashville and have reason for pause.

What’s needed in a new Lady Vols head coach is a young, hungry candidate who has tasted what it takes to win , who has shown to be a good recruiter, who has the ability to turn a program around and has already shown to be a real comer and who’s a disciplinarian by nature . Someone who fits that bill in so many ways ( and currently resides in the same conference) is none other than Vanderbilt’s Shea Ralph. Ralph is a UConn head coach in-waiting. Grab her now and watch her build the Lady Vol program!!

 

[dazzleme]

Didn't know 60 was the cutoff age. I'm googling to help you out with information you are sorely lacking.

Rick Barnes - 69
Bruce Pearl - 64
Geno Auriemma - 70
Kim Mulkey - 61
Tara VanDerveer - 70
Jim Harbaugh - 61

I could go on, but it looks like you know what you know.

 

[dazzleme]

Also, Barnes didn’t struggle at Texas. He’s the greatest coach in the history of that program.

He struggled at the end, which is why we were able to snag him.

 

[Memvol44]

Didn't know 60 was the cutoff age. I'm googling to help you out with information you are sorely lacking.

Rick Barnes - 69
Bruce Pearl - 64
Geno Auriemma - 70
Kim Mulkey - 61
Tara VanDerveer - 70
Jim Harbaugh - 61

I could go on, but it looks like you know what you know.

The difference is you want this new hire for 15 years +

 

[The Vin Man]

If the A+ candidate is who I want it to be, I think she fan easily be money whipped. I also think she's the best coach in WBB. The fact that the agents reached out to us is intresting. I know who I'd like it to be but I honestly have no clue.
But DW has my trust until he gives us a reason no to.

The way I read this was the 2nd and 3rd candidates were the ones who reached out to DW and expressed interest in the opening. The A+ candidate is the one we’re pursuing. I’m in Key West and have had a few drinks so my understanding could be off

 

[dazzleme]

The difference is you want this new hire for 15 years +

hmmm I don't believe it has to be that way. Rick Barnes was 61 when we hired him at TN.

 

[WVU05UT09]

Hah! Who do you think sends the big $ to the athletics department?
Be careful who you want to die. You might actually have to get your own wallet out.

F off. I never said anyone should die. Its quite common in societies that the only way there is philosophical change around whatever, that a generation must pass away. This isn't a new concept.

 

[Lucy]

No flame intended, but based on your analysis, I'm curious to know why there are more women at a Men's BBALL game than there are at a Women's BBALL game. Just curious...

Because there are more people at a men’s game?

 

[dazzleme]

What’s needed in a new Lady Vols head coach is a young, hungry candidate who has tasted what it takes to win , who has shown to be a good recruiter, who has the ability to turn a program around and has already shown to be a real comer and who’s a disciplinarian by nature . Someone who fits that bill in so many ways ( and currently resides in the same conference) is none other than Vanderbilt’s Shea Ralph. Ralph is a UConn head coach in-waiting. Grab her now and watch her build the Lady Vol program!!

I'll take older, more experienced, and proven track record on all of the categories you list ANY DAY over young and hungry. We just had young and hungry.

 

[Lucy]

F off. I never said anyone should die. Its quite common in societies that the only way there is philosophical change around whatever, that a generation must pass away. This isn't a new concept.

And I quote “until the boomers die off”. Those are your exact words. You should not use bad words or mommy and daddy will stop paying for your cell phone.

 

[Lucy]

Didn't know 60 was the cutoff age. I'm googling to help you out with information you are sorely lacking.

Rick Barnes - 69
Bruce Pearl - 64
Geno Auriemma - 70
Kim Mulkey - 61
Tara VanDerveer - 70
Jim Harbaugh - 61

I could go on, but it looks like you know what you know.

Wow!!! Are you sure about Kim Mulkey?? She looks a lot older than 61!

 

[Volstylexx]

And this is why Kellie Harper is no longer head coach.

 

[VolBall09]

And this is why Kellie Harper is no longer head coach.

And they got what they tuned in for!

 

[WVU05UT09]

And I quote “until the boomers die off”. Those are your exact words. You should not use bad words or mommy and daddy will stop paying for your cell phone.

Nothing wrong with that line. Its not a personal wish. My mother is a boomer in her 70's. I don't want her dead (seriously...jfc).

But these are historical truths...

Integration wasn't possible until it was electorally feasible for politicians to support it.
Same sex marriage wasn't possible until a large portion of the WW2 generation had passed away.

In 2040 the likelihood that the Tennessee fan base cares if a man coaches the Lady Vol basketball program will be substantially lower than it is today. In part because the people it matters most to will be gone.

 

[dazzleme]

I admit I skipped about 15 pages of posts, the thread has been so popular! I'm glad we still have plenty who care about our women's sports.

I have some involvement with our legislature, but I'm honestly not tracking with what you said about rights being rolled back. That, of course, concerns me. If it's something controversial, and a PM from you is more appropriate (or less distracting from the thread), I'd appreciate if you could bring me up to speed.

I know, it's a very exciting time! My dad took me to watch them back when they played at Stokely and Shelley Sexton was on the team back in the 80s. I was also in the Pride of the Southland marching band and the pep band for the women's games during Pat's years in the late 80s/early 90s.

In terms of the political stuff, what may be important to some may not be to others and I would rather not get into it, honestly. But thank you for your interest!

 

[OrangeInKy]

Kellie being better than Molly isn’t and opinion… it’s a fact.

Molly isn’t proven at all. Not gonna waste another sentence on her. She is the divider on who I think has any sense and a worthy opinion or not here

I don’t get the fascination with her, other than the obvious that has nothing to do with basketball. I truly don’t understand.

 

[OrangeInKy]

Except for money or ego, who in their right mind would want to come to Tennessee. Kelly, and even Holly, did have some success, but never enough for the get us to a final 4 or leave crowd.

Money and ego are pretty good reasons for most coaches . Saban didn’t go to Bama for the bbq in Tuscaloosa. Also an elite program with phenomenal facilities and resources, unlimited potential.
Also, that’s the standard here. I thought we were proud of that. At least past the Elite 8 annually. That’s the cost of having a dominant program for so long. You’re crazy if you think it’s not an attractive job. Also, no coach worth a salt would be scared off by that expectation/standard.

 

[volfan102455]

And this is why Kellie Harper is no longer head coach.

Drama sells! And Clark, Reece and Mulkey are very good at drama!

 

[Volfaninfl2]

And this is why Kellie Harper is no longer head coach.

Your comment and that attendance has nothing to do with Kellie or her ability to Coach, and everything to do with the Clark player and hype.

 

[Lucy]

I don't know if Becky Hammon is even a consideration. But this is the biggest job in women's sports. The WNBA isn't the top echelon in women's basketball from a ratings or tv revenue standpoint, college is. There are no WNBA coaches who are paid what top college coaches are paid.

That said, I've heard Ole Miss's coach and USC's coach are on the short list, but they also said Walz. This by someone who guaranteed me that Kellie was done back in January and that White has been prepping for this for a while.

We will be hiring someone who embraces NIL more than the outgoing staff did.

“Embraces NIL”.? Kellie didn’t have any serious NIL to embrace. Will be interesting to see if DW bothers to find some when the new coach gets here.