The coaching structure surrounding the Tennessee Lady Vols is undergoing a swift and significant transformation. Roman Tubner has been let go from his position as an assistant coach, sources said Thursday, marking the end of his two-season tenure on Kim Caldwell’s staff.
The news that a Lady Vols assistant coach let go is not an isolated event, but rather the second major staff departure in less than a week. Tubner’s dismissal follows the resignation of assistant coach Gabe Lazo, who left the program three days prior to join the staff at LSU under head coach Kim Mulkey.
For a program with the historic expectations of Tennessee, such rapid turnover in the coaching ranks often signals a recalibration of strategy or a shift in the internal dynamics of the staff. Head coach Kim Caldwell has already begun the process of filling the void, moving quickly to maintain the program’s momentum following a successful initial run.
A Rapid Sequence of Staff Shifts
The volatility of the current coaching cycle became evident earlier this week when Gabe Lazo resigned. The transition was nearly instantaneous, with Lazo securing a role at LSU shortly after his departure from Knoxville. Caldwell responded to the vacancy with efficiency, bringing in Bill Ferrara from Florida State to occupy Lazo’s former role.
However, the dismissal of Roman Tubner creates a second opening on the bench. Tubner was originally brought to Tennessee from Alabama, a move designed to infuse Caldwell’s staff with deep SEC experience. His primary value lay in his familiarity with the conference’s unique landscape, specifically in the realms of scouting and high-level recruiting within the Southeast.
The loss of two assistants in such a short window is a challenge for any head coach, but it also provides Caldwell an opportunity to further mold her staff to her specific vision for the program’s future. The Lady Vols have remained competitive and ambitious, evidenced by their status as a preseason top-10 team heading into the 2025-2026 season.
Impact on Recruiting and Roster Building
Despite the current departures, the groundwork laid by the previous staff has been substantial. Tubner and Lazo were instrumental in the program’s aggressive pursuit of talent, helping secure top-10 recruiting classes and establishing a top-5 presence in the transfer portal. This aggressive approach to roster construction paid dividends on the court, as the Lady Vols reached the Sweet 16 during Caldwell’s first year at the helm.
The transfer portal has become the primary engine for rapid turnaround in women’s college basketball, and Tennessee’s ability to attract elite talent remains a cornerstone of their identity. The challenge for Caldwell now is to ensure that the loss of Tubner’s SEC-specific scouting and recruiting ties does not hinder the program’s ability to maintain this trajectory.
To provide a clear picture of the current staff movement, the following table outlines the recent changes within the Lady Vols’ coaching hierarchy:
| Coach | Status | Origin/Destination |
|---|---|---|
| Roman Tubner | Dismissed | Former Alabama Assistant |
| Gabe Lazo | Resigned | Joined LSU Staff |
| Bill Ferrara | Hired | Joined from Florida State |
| Jenna Burdette | Remaining | Joined from Marshall |
The Core Stability: The Marshall Connection
While the periphery of the staff has seen movement, the core of Kim Caldwell’s inner circle remains intact. The stability of the program currently rests on the shoulders of the assistants Caldwell brought with her from Marshall University, as well as those with long-standing professional ties to her.
Jenna Burdette, who worked with Caldwell at both Marshall and Glenville State, continues to be a pivotal figure. Burdette’s reliability was on full display last year when she stepped in as the interim head coach for the game against Texas, allowing Caldwell to be present for the birth of her son. This level of trust is rare in high-pressure collegiate environments and provides a steady hand during the current staff transitions.
Joining Burdette on the remaining staff are Angel Rizor, also a Marshall alumna, and Lexie Barrier. Barrier’s history with the program is rooted in her previous work with Burdette at Marshall, further cementing the familial and professional bonds that Caldwell relies upon to manage the day-to-day operations of the Tennessee women’s basketball program.
Looking Ahead to the 2025-2026 Campaign
The immediate priority for Coach Caldwell is the filling of the remaining assistant vacancy. With the SEC remaining one of the most competitive conferences in the country, the need for a recruiter and scout who understands the regional nuances—the very reason Tubner was initially hired—remains high.
The Lady Vols’ trajectory suggests a program that is not afraid to make bold moves to achieve elite results. By integrating new blood like Bill Ferrara while maintaining the loyalty of the Marshall contingent, Caldwell is attempting to balance innovation with stability. The focus now shifts to how these changes will translate to the court and whether the program can maintain its top-10 preseason standing.
The university and the athletic department are expected to provide updates on the final staff composition as the team prepares for its upcoming schedule. For fans and analysts, the focus will be on whether this reshuffling strengthens the bench or creates a temporary gap in the program’s recruiting infrastructure.
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