Before making my main point, I want to mention two biases that I have.
1) I am an one of those who hopes that Tennessee WCBB can regain it's footing. I believe that the growth of the game and public acceptance will be enhanced by legacy programs remaining or regaining top strength, which in the long run will make rivalry games more fun. TBH, though I hate it when we lose to Tenn, part of me is okay with last year's loss. First because I think it made all the difference for the rest of the season, second because it made this year's beatdown all that more satisfying.
2) I generally like Kim Caldwell. When she started out at Rocky Top, I thought she presented herself very well. Given how young she is, I hope doesn't get too stubborn and begins to recognize that what worked at Glenville State & Marshall isn't going to cut it in the SEC, especially when all the teams have had a year to observe and now counteract her line change schemes.
There are so many things to consider about what has happened at Tennessee the past 3 games and Kim's reaction to it as seen in her widely criticized pressers.
Regardless of how frustrated or angry a coach might be, IMO it's generally counter-productive to throw the players under the bus. She been criticized for doing this after each of the past three losses but I really think that charge only stands up after the South Carolina game.
The question I want to raise is it is ever proper or smart to say what Kim said after yesterday's game? Is it ever justified to really blame your team?
My take of the UConn and South Carolina games is that her team totally gave up in the second halves. That is just so unacceptable. I don't recall any of our Big East opponents not playing hard up to final horn, regardless of how badly they were losing.
For all intents and purposed, players on major college sports teams are now professional athletes. Keeping in mind that in 2025, the average American salary was $63,000. The average NIL payment to the Lady Vols basketball team this year is $90,000. On top of that, there is house settlement money, the waiver of tuition, and for some of the players, separate NIL money earned from social media endorsements, etc.
When I worked in a supervisory role, I never tolerated my employees not working their hardest. On the rare occasions that I felt the need to say something, it was done privately. I only ended someone's employment twice - it was not a good feeling. But I had the luxury of being able to do that. I don't think college coaches can do that except under certain circumstances, such as with Ruby Whitehorn at the start of the season.
