IMO, at the time it happened, Holly was likely considered a placeholder hire until Tyler got enough experience to come in and take over.
Anyone with half a brain knows very well that Pat's years-long plan was for Tyler to coach on the floor that bears both their names.
If some other great coach had taken over and had great success, then he/she would want to keep the job for as long as they could. If Holly was given the job then she could hold the program steady for a few years then gladly hand the job back to the Crown Prince.
But as we all know, Tyler made career-ending mistakes and the plan came crashing down. Pat never intended for Holly to do anything but hold the keys safely until Tyler was ready to drive the car, and at that point -- BEFORE all the mess -- it seemed entirely likely that he'd also be capable of leading a good program at a young age. It was not meant to be.
Holly proved to be a more than adequate keeper of the Lady Vol traditions involving strong academic performance, strong community involvement, and all the off-court qualities that we've always admired and respected in our Lady Vols.
But, sadly, Holly lacks the level of basketball knowledge and the ability to instill confidence IN that ability that top-tier coaches with top-tier talent MUST have in order to maintain a top-tier program.
I hate it that the program is stuck on mediocre now, but that's where we are until a change is made.
I would hope that a respectful arrangement could be made that allows her to understand that, while her lifelong, undeniable love for the Lady Vols is acknowledged and deeply appreciated, that it is simply time to also acknowledge that being a head coach is not one of her strengths.
She'll always be a great Lady Vol, loved by many. But she needs to lead now by getting out of the way.
Love the Lady Vols always.
