John Adams of the Knoxville News Sentinel joins Caleb Calhoun and Dave Hooker to discuss the Lady Vols firing Kellie Harper, Phillip Fulmer’s legacy as athletic director and SEC football vs. basketball coaches. Off the Hook Sports’ Tuesday, April 2 podcast also covers Tennessee Basketball in the transfer portal and UT Football defensive backs.
What firing Kellie Harper says about Tennessee Basketball
Athletic Director Danny White announced on Monday that the Tennessee women’s basketball program would be moving on from Lady Vols head coach Kellie Harper after five years. What does the decision to fire her now say about the program? Is it proof they are serious about restoring its legacy?
Lady Vols head coaching candidates
With Harper gone, who will the Tennessee Lady Vols hire to replace her? Should they avoid the Pat Summitt route altogether this time, or should they solely focus on the best coach they can land? How many available candidates are there? Will the Lady Vol fan base influence the decision with pressure?
Phillip Fulmer’s legacy
Former Tennessee Football coach Phillip Fulmer had a tenuous run as athletic director from 2017 to 2021. He hired Jeremy Pruitt to coach UT on the gridiron, and that was a failure, and now his other major hire, Kellie Harper, also didn’t work out. What does this say about his legacy with the program?
SEC Football vs. Basketball coaches
The Alabama Crimson Tide are in the Final Four with Nate Oats, and Rick Barnes took Tennessee Basketball to the Elite Eight. Meanwhile, Nick Saban has retired in football. At this point, does the Southeastern Conference have better head coaches in football or basketball?
Should Tennessee Basketball target a big man?
Given how the Pudrue Boilermakers beat Tennessee Basketball in the Elite Eight with Zach Edey, do the Vols need to target a big man in the transfer portal? What about on the recruiting trail? With Dalton Knecht gone, how should Rick Barnes approach building his roster for next year?
Why Tennessee Football will be better at DB
As spring practice continues on the gridiron, Tennessee Football continues to focusing on improving at defensive back. With new players across the board at that position, how much better will the Vols be there this year after struggling there in previous seasons?
