What Kim Caldwell said after firing Roman Tubner

Kim Caldwell issued a statement Thursday following the firing of assistant coach Roman Tubner.

“I want to thank Coach Tubner for his contributions to our program during the past two seasons,” Caldwell said in a school release. “We wish him the very best moving forward.”

Tubner spent the past two seasons on Caldwell’s staff before he was dismissed.

Tubner’s dismissal comes three days after assistant coach Gabe Lazo resigned. He was hired at LSU under coach Kim Mulkey the follow days. Caldwell acted swiftly, hiring Bill Ferrara from Florida State to fill Lazo’s position. Now, she has another spot to fill on her staff.

Tubner was hired away from Alabama to join Caldwell at Tennessee as Caldwell sought SEC experience on her initial staff to help her with scouting as well as recruiting at the SEC level. 

When Caldwell was hired, she brought Jenna Burdette with her from Marshall. Burdette also worked with Caldwell at Glennville State. Burdette served as the interim head coach last year when Caldwell missed the Texas game for the birth of her son.

In addition to Burdette, Caldwell brough Angel Rizor with her from Marshall. Caldwell also hired Lexie Barrier who had worked with Burdette at Marshall before Caldwell got the head job there. Caldwell.

Burdette, Rizor and Barrier remain on the staff.

Caldwell went 24-10 in her first season with the Lady Vols in 2024-25, leading them to the Sweet 16. Tennessee beat UConn in Caldwell’s first matchup in the rivalry, ending a losing streak dating back to 2007.

The Lady Vols struggled in Caldwell’s second season, going 16-14 and losing their final eight games of the season.