Full Breakdown
Lady Vols Basketball Staff Changes: Gabe Lazo Departs for LSU
3/31/2026, 8:34:27 PM
Departure of Gabe Lazo from Tennessee
Gabe Lazo, an assistant coach for the University of Tennessee Lady Volunteers basketball team, has resigned after two seasons to join the coaching staff at Louisiana State University (LSU). His departure was officially announced on March 27, 2026, and he will replace Gary Redus II at LSU, who was recently appointed as the head coach at Rutgers. Lazo's recruitment prowess significantly contributed to the Lady Vols' recent successes, including the signing of a highly regarded recruiting class.
Impact on Lady Vols Recruiting
During his tenure at Tennessee, Lazo played a pivotal role in assembling a strong recruiting class, which included five-star forward Oliviyah Edwards and several other highly ranked players. The 2025 recruiting class was particularly notable, featuring three McDonald's All-Americans: Mia Pauldo, Deniya Prawl, and Jaida Civil. This class was ranked No. 2 by ESPN, marking the highest-ranked high school signing class for Tennessee since 2017. Lazo's efforts were instrumental in the Lady Vols securing back-to-back top-10 recruiting classes, and he was recognized as the lead recruiter for multiple players who credited him for their decisions to join the program.
Official Statements on Lazo's Departure
LSU head coach Kim Mulkey expressed confidence in Lazo's abilities, stating, "Gabe will be an outstanding addition to our staff... His unmatched work ethic will lead to great results on the court and on the recruiting trail." Meanwhile, Tennessee head coach Kim Caldwell has hired former Florida State associate head coach Bill Ferrara to fill Lazo's position, indicating a continued commitment to strengthening the coaching staff.
Criticism and Opposition
While Lazo's contributions to Tennessee's recruiting efforts have been widely acknowledged, the departure has raised concerns among some fans and analysts regarding the program's future recruiting capabilities. The loss of a key recruiter like Lazo could impact the Lady Vols' ability to attract top talent moving forward, especially as several players, including Prawl and Hurst, have entered the transfer portal after just one season.
Background on Gabe Lazo
Before joining the Lady Vols, Lazo had a successful stint at Mississippi State, where he was promoted to associate head coach. His coaching career began at the high school level in Florida, where he earned recognition as a three-time Miami-Dade Coach of the Year. Lazo has also served on the board of directors for the Latino Association of Basketball Coaches, highlighting his commitment to promoting diversity within the sport.
What's Next for Tennessee
As the Lady Vols look to fill the void left by Lazo, the program will need to focus on maintaining its recruiting momentum and addressing the recent player transfers. The hiring of Bill Ferrara may signal a new direction for the coaching staff as they prepare for the upcoming season.
