Tennessee and Lady Vols’ head coach Kim Caldwell agreed to a one-year contract extension on Monday after Caldwell’s first season as Tennessee’s women’s basketball head coach. The extension keeps Caldwell under contract at Tennessee through the 2030 season.
“I am grateful for Danny’s continued trust and belief in me after a foundational first season here at Tennessee,” Caldwell said in a statement. “I am very proud of our players and staff for the effort they put in and for what we accomplished together. I look forward to getting back to work, finding ways we can improve our program and continuing to take the steps necessary to compete for championships.”
The financial details of Caldwell’s contract extension have not been released at this point. Tennessee Director of Athletics Danny White has consistently given coaches one year contract extensions and they have only rarely drastically changed the terms of the original contract.
Caldwell’s initial five-year contract paid her $750,000 annually. There’s also a clause in the contract that makes Caldwell the nation’s highest paid women’s basketball coach if Tennessee wins the National Championship.
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Tennessee women’s basketball posted a 24-10 (8-8 SEC) record in Caldwell’s first season as head coach. The Lady Vols were a five-seed in the NCAA Tournament and made it to the Sweet 16 after defeating four-seed Ohio State on the road in the Round of 32.
Caldwell’s first Tennessee team turned in a number of narrow losses and a marquee victory when they knocked off UConn 80-76 in Knoxville in early February. While the Lady Vols came up just short of a trip to the Elite Eight it was undoubtedly a good first season for Caldwell in Knoxville.
“From our first meeting with Kim, it was clear that she is a groundbreaking innovator destined to lead the future of women’s basketball,” White said in a statement. “In just one season, we experienced firsthand how her winning formula can revolutionize the game with her dynamic, high-octane offense and relentless defense. The promising future of Lady Vols basketball is in great hands under Kim’s leadership, setting the stage for a remarkable journey ahead!”
Caldwell is now looking to build the Lady Vols’ roster for her second season. Tennessee signed one of the nation’s best recruiting classes back in the fall including multiple McDonald’s All-Americans.
