I don't think Pat Summitt was the type of person to groom a replacement. She chose assistants who are good followers. It was Pat and only Pat who was in the limelight.
It's a very insular culture at Tennessee and nepotism is the rule. Therefore, it was only natural that Holly would be Pat's successor. I believe that Holly is merely a placeholder. Once Tyler Summitt gains enough coaching experience to avoid severe criticism, he will be named Head Coach.
What UT doesn't realize is that the Lady Vols will only benefit from Pat's aura for a limited amount of time before being considered just another team, the next Louisiana Tech. I believe Tennessee does not see this looming disaster, the erosion of their stature. Staying at the top is critical for Tennessee, because the University does not have a lot of other benefits that would attract recruits. The school is always on the list of ugliest college campuses, weather, academics, etc. It's no Stanford.
My point is, there is little time to waste in getting a top notch coach. Certainly, money is not a problem except the new administration seems not to be interested in spending it on women's basketball.
For these reasons, this is a critical year for the LVs. Something must be done. Time is running out.