In a move that has surprised many in the college basketball world, Kim Caldwell, the head coach of the Tennessee Lady Volunteers basketball team, rejected a lucrative $12 million offer from Ohio State University. Caldwell, who has quickly made a name for herself in her short tenure at Tennessee, has stated that she considers Knoxville and Tennessee her true home, further solidifying her commitment to the Lady Vols program.
Caldwell, who took over the Lady Vols in April 2024, has already led the team to remarkable success. Under her leadership, the Lady Vols have shown significant improvement, earning some of their best results in recent years. With a well-established reputation from her time at Marshall University, where she led the Thundering Herd to a 26-7 record and multiple accolades, including being named the WBCA’s Spalding Maggie Dixon NCAA Division I Rookie Coach of the Year, Caldwell’s skill and vision for the program were quickly recognized by Tennessee officials.
Despite her rising success and the attention from powerhouse programs like Ohio State, Caldwell turned down the offer, making it clear that she was not just focused on financial gain. She expressed deep gratitude for the support she’s received from the Tennessee athletic department, the community, and especially the players. Caldwell’s commitment to building a championship-caliber program at Tennessee has been evident, and she has repeatedly emphasized that her priority is the development of her players, both on and off the court.
The offer from Ohio State, reportedly worth $12 million, would have made Caldwell one of the highest-paid women’s basketball coaches in the country. However, Caldwell’s decision highlights her passion for the Tennessee Lady Vols and her belief in the potential of the team to achieve great things. Her rejection of the offer is also a testament to the strong bond she has developed with her players and staff, as well as her belief in the university’s long-term vision for women’s athletics.
Fans and analysts alike have praised Caldwell for her decision, as it signals a commitment to continuity and growth within the Lady Vols program. Caldwell’s decision also underscores the increasing prominence of women’s sports in college athletics and the impact that dedicated and passionate coaches can have on the trajectory of a program. As she continues to lead Tennessee, the Lady Vols will undoubtedly remain a team to watch in the coming seasons.
