Tennessee picked up its seventh straight loss last night, something the Lady Vols haven't done in 50 years. The Lady Vols have clearly taken a step back this season after making the Sweet 16 last year, and with only the NCAA Tournament left on the schedule, head coach Kim Caldwell doesn’t have much time to find answers and try to turn things around.
In the 12-point loss to No. 11 seed Alabama, Kim Caldwell made a puzzling decision that quickly became the biggest talking point of the game. Tennessee’s star player, Talaysia Cooper, only played 12 minutes, leaving many fans wondering what led to the move. Caldwell said, It was a coach’s decision, and we just wanted to give her some air. I think your emotions can get running, and just wanted to get her outside and with the staff members, so she could breathe." Caldwell then said, "Who knows if it was the right call? We're trying to find combinations that work."
Kim Caldwell on her "coach's decision" to bench star guard Talaysia Copper and not put her back in the game. Moreover, why Cooper went to the bus while team was meeting with media in locker room #LadyVols #SEC #TalaysiaCooper pic.twitter.com/52LloTH4ze
— The Ball Out (@theballoutmedia) March 6, 2026
Caldwell in the news once again with her decision making
This isn't the first time there has been drama within the program, as on Senior Day over the weekend, Kaiya Wynn left the program after not playing on Senior Day (except the final seconds) after spending five years in Knoxville. After the game, Wynn said, "Although that was not the sole reason, it was the breaking point for me. I have the utmost love and respect for my teammates and this program and wish everyone nothing but the best."
Caldwell responded to Wynn leaving the program ahead of the SEC tournament opener saying, "We'll miss her. She was loved in this program, and we respect her decision, but we kind of have to turn the page and kind of focus on the SEC tournament."
This wasn't exactly a heartfelt response from Caldwell, and not only does it feel like the fanbase is turning on her, but the locker room feels like they are as well. Caldwell does have Athletic Director Danny White's support, but if the fan base is fed up with this, how much longer does she have? This team has really struggled as of late, and there is once again more drama within the program.