Missouri hires ex-Vols coach Kellie Harper

Missouri hired Kellie Harper, most recently the head coach at Tennessee, to take over its women's basketball program Tuesday.

Harper replaces Robin Pingeton, who stepped down at the end of the Tigers' 2024-25 season.

Harper, 47, was out of coaching this season after five seasons at her alma mater, Tennessee. Despite guiding the Lady Volunteers to four straight NCAA Tournaments (her first season ended with the COVID-19 cancellation of the postseason) and posting a 108-52 record, she was fired in 2024.

Harper previously held head coaching roles at Western Carolina (2004-09), North Carolina State (2009-13) and Missouri State (2013-19). She took each program to at least one NCAA Tournament, with nine appearances in all, including a Sweet 16 with Missouri State.

"I am incredibly honored to be the next head coach at Mizzou," Harper said in a statement. "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 holds a 393-260 record all-time as a Division I head coach.

"Kellie is a proven winner and dynamic leader who understands the ‘Will to Win' necessary to succeed at the sport's highest level," Missouri athletic director Laird Veatch said in a statement. "She is nationally respected, and her experience in the SEC, her deep ties to the state of Missouri and her ability to recruit and develop championship-level players make her the ideal leader for our program. We are incredibly excited about the future of Mizzou Women's Basketball under her leadership."

--Field Level Media