Reportedly, Samantha Williams, an assistant coach for the Lady Vols, will not continue on Kim Caldwell’s coaching staff.
According to The Ball Out, Samantha Williams, an assistant coach for the Lady Vols basketball team, will not continue as part of new coach Kim Caldwell’s coaching staff at Tennessee.
Williams was brought on board by former coach Kellie Harper in April 2021, following her two-year stint as the head coach at Eastern Kentucky. With over two decades of experience as an assistant coach, Williams notably served at Duke from 2007 to 2011 and at Louisville from 2011 to 2019.
During her time with the Lady Vols, Williams played a significant role in recruiting star transfer Rickea Jackson, who emerged as Tennessee’s leading scorer over the past two seasons and is anticipated to be a lottery pick in the upcoming 2024 WNBA Draft, where Williams will reportedly be present. Additionally, Williams contributed to securing commitments from three recruits for Tennessee since her hiring.
Kaniya Boyd joined early from the 2024 class, while Nyla Brooks, a five-star wing from the 2025 class, initially committed to Tennessee but reconsidered after Harper’s dismissal. Similarly, Finley Chastain, who was highly regarded as the top eighth grader when she committed, also reopened her recruitment.
Willie Brooks, father of Nyla Brooks, expressed his discontent about the situation on X (formerly known as Twitter), stating, “Not a good move, I think Coach Sam deserved the opportunity to prove herself. She is the one who has the relationship with recruits and current players.”
Harper’s tenure at UT ended on April 1 after five seasons, during which the Lady Vols achieved a 108-52 overall record and a 53-24 record in conference play. Although she guided the team to two Sweet 16 appearances, they were eliminated in the NCAA second round this season.
Samantha Williams has had coaching stints at DePaul (2004-07), Auburn (2003-04), Columbus State (2002-03), St. Louis (2001-02), and Butler (1998-99). A former standout player at Auburn from 1992 to 1996, Williams holds the program record for career 3-point field goals (161) and concluded her collegiate career with 1,106 points, 495 rebounds, and 323 assists. Additionally, she played one season of professional basketball in the American Basketball League with the San Jose Lasers (1996-97). Williams was also recognized as a Parade All-American during her high school career at DuPont Manual High School in Louisville, Kentucky.
