Missouri women's basketball names Kellie Harper as next head coach

On Tuesday, Missouri announced Kellie Harper will be its next head women’s basketball coach. Harper was Tennessee‘s head coach from 2019-24 before being fired by the school.

“”I am incredibly honored to be the next head coach at Mizzou,” Harper said. “Missouri is a special place, and I know firsthand the passion and pride that surrounds this program.

“Our family is excited to return to the state of Missouri. I look forward to working with our leadership and our student-athletes, building strong relationships throughout the community and winning championships in Columbia. The foundation is in place for success — and I can’t wait to get started.”

Harper will replace Robin Pingeton, who resigned at the end of the season. Missouri posted a 14-18 record this season and a 3-13 mark in conference play. The Tigers ultimately suffered a season-ending 75-55 loss to Mississippi State in the first round of the SEC Tournament.

Pingeton spent 15 seasons at the helm of Missouri, recording 250-218 record. Missouri made four consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances under Pingeton from 2016-19 but hasn’t returned to the Big Dance since.

Harper will look to return Missouri to its former glory. During her five seasons as Tennessee’s head coach, Harper led the Volunteers to a 108-52 record and 53-24 mark against SEC foes.

The Volunteers appeared in the NCAA Tournament every season under Harper, other than her debut campaign when the tournament was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In Tennessee’s four trips, it made it to the Sweet Sixteen twice and always advanced past the first round.

When Tennessee fired Harper, she had four years left on her contract. The school wasn’t satisfied with the program’s trajectory under Harper’s direction and ultimately decided to cut her time in Knoxville short.

“After a thorough review of our women’s basketball program, I have informed Kellie we are making a change in leadership,” Tennessee athletic director Danny White said in a statement. “Decisions like these are never easy to make, especially with someone who has done so much for the Lady Vols as a three-time national champion student-athlete.

“Her love and passion for Tennessee and the Lady Vols is second to none. She has invested so much heart and soul into our program and truly has given her all for Tennessee. I thank Kellie for her stewardship of our women’s basketball program and wish her and Jon well in the next chapter of their lives.”

Now, Harper will have a chance to exact revenge on her former program annually. After all, Harper could have a solid roster in her first season with the Tigers. Missouri leading scorer Grace Slaughter was only a sophomore this past season.

In fact, three of Missouri’s top five scorers in the 2024-25 season have eligibility remaining. If Kellie Harper can prevent them from entering the portal, she could field a sneakily dangerous SEC team her first year in Columbia.