Tennessee Tech coach, former SEC assistant John Pelphrey announces wife's cancer diagnosis

On Tuesday, Tennessee Tech head coach John Pelphrey revealed his wife, Tracy, has been diagnosed with Stage 3 colorectal cancer. Pelphrey provided further details on the heartbreaking situation in a written statement.

“Our family begins a fight against a new opponent— one that will test our faith, our endurance, and our toughness. My wife, Tracy, has been diagnosed with Stage 3 Colorectal Cancer,” Pelphrey wrote. “The War ahead will be challenging: 4 months of chemotherapy, followed by 6 weeks of radiation, a 6 week break to let her heal, rest & recover; and then followed by surgery to remove the tumor.

“‘The Game Plan’ is cutting edge, intentional and solid. It is going to be a year-long confrontation that gives Tracy the best opportunity to be cured and to eliminate the possibility of recurrence. And that is my prayer… Cured and Eliminated! I am not looking for a 1-point Win on this one…l want a blowout! Complete destruction and annihilation of this disease that is threatening my wife, best friend and most trusted advisor!”

Pelphrey has been the head coach at Tennessee Tech since 2019. Last season, he led the Golden Eagles to a 15-16 overall record and a 10-10 mark in Ohio Valley Conference play.

During his six seasons at the helm of the program, Pelphrey has amassed a 66-119 overall record and a 44-67 mark in conference play. Pelphrey was also the head coach at Arkansas (2007-11) and South Alabama (2002-07).

Pelphrey has served as an assistant coach at numerous other high-profile programs, including Oklahoma State, Florida and Alabama. John Pelphrey played college basketball at Kentucky from 1988-92.

He was a senior on Rick Pitino‘s first team as Kentucky’s head coach. The team — nicknamed “The Unforgettables” — advanced to the Elite Eight before losing to Duke. Pelphrey is one of 36 former Kentucky players to have his jersey retired.

Kentucky fans and friends he made from other previous stops will undoubtedly be rooting him and his family on as Tracy fights cancer. Tracy also released a statement in the wake of the devastating news.

“If you know me, being a coach’s wife for over 30 years, I am a ferocious competitor and know ‘hard moments’ must be handled,” Tracy wrote. “So, just know I am filled with determination and resolve to beat this, and understand I am literally in a fight for my life.

“I am surrounded by love — from John, our children, our Tennessee Tech Team, my family and so many dear friends here in Cookeville and around the country. Every day I feel that strength lifting me up.”