Full Breakdown
Coaching Changes in Lady Vols Basketball: Roman Tubner Dismissed
4/3/2026, 6:48:13 AM
Overview of Coaching Changes
The University of Tennessee's Lady Vols basketball program has undergone significant staff changes following a disappointing season. Assistant coach Roman Tubner was dismissed on April 2, 2026, just three days after fellow assistant Gabe Lazo resigned to join the LSU coaching staff under Kim Mulkey. Tubner's firing comes as head coach Kim Caldwell seeks to rebuild her coaching staff and roster after a tumultuous season that ended with an eight-game losing streak.
Key Figures in the Coaching Staff
Roman Tubner was hired by Kim Caldwell in April 2024, shortly after she took over the Lady Vols program. Prior to joining Tennessee, Tubner served as an associate head coach at Alabama, where he spent three seasons. Caldwell also brought in Gabe Lazo from Mississippi State, who has since transitioned to LSU. The current coaching staff now includes Jenna Burdette, Angel Rizor, and Lexie Barrier, who were retained from Caldwell's original hires.
Season Performance and Context
The Lady Vols concluded the 2025-2026 season with a record of 16-14, marking the worst winning percentage in the program's history at .552. The team faced significant challenges, losing 11 of their last 13 games and finishing with the longest losing streak in NCAA history for the program. This performance has prompted Caldwell to make swift changes to her coaching staff, including Tubner's dismissal.
Official Statements
In a statement regarding Tubner's firing, Caldwell expressed gratitude for his contributions, stating, "I want to thank Coach Tubner for his contributions to our program during the past two seasons. We wish him the very best moving forward." This sentiment reflects Caldwell's acknowledgment of the challenges faced during the season while also signaling a desire for a fresh start.
Criticism & Opposition
The rapid turnover in the coaching staff has raised concerns among fans and analysts about the stability of the program. Critics argue that the frequent changes may hinder the team's ability to build cohesion and develop talent, especially with the impending opening of the transfer portal on April 6, 2026. The loss of seven players with eligibility remaining further complicates the situation, as Caldwell must now focus on both staff and roster rebuilding.
What's Next for the Lady Vols
As the Lady Vols prepare for the upcoming season, Caldwell will need to fill the vacant assistant coaching position left by Tubner and continue to address the roster changes. The opening of the transfer portal presents an opportunity for the program to attract new talent, but the recent staff changes may impact recruitment efforts. The coming weeks will be crucial for the future direction of the Lady Vols basketball program.
