As the 2025 women’s college basketball season progresses, the debate intensifies over who deserves the title of Best Head Coach of the Year. Two prominent figures have emerged as frontrunners: Kim Caldwell of the Tennessee Lady Volunteers and Dawn Staley of the South Carolina Gamecocks. Both coaches have demonstrated exceptional leadership, guiding their teams to remarkable achievements and breaking new ground in the sport.
Kim Caldwell, in her inaugural season with the Lady Vols, has led the team to a commendable 19-6 overall record, including a 6-6 mark in Southeastern Conference (SEC) play. Under her guidance, Tennessee achieved a season-best national ranking of No. 15/13, a significant rise from their unranked status at the season’s outset. Notable victories include triumphs over No. 5 UConn and No. 17 Iowa, showcasing the team’s ability to compete against top-tier programs. The Lady Vols’ six losses have been narrow, with a combined margin of just 20 points, five of which were against top-10 ranked teams.
Dawn Staley, a seasoned coach with the Gamecocks, continues to build upon her illustrious career. She has led South Carolina to multiple national championships and Final Four appearances since her tenure began in 2008. This season, the Gamecocks are once again strong contenders for the national title, maintaining a top-10 national ranking. Despite the offseason loss of National Player of the Year candidate Kamilla Cardoso, Staley’s adept coaching has kept the team on a winning trajectory, with an impressive overall resume positioning them for a potential No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament.
Both Caldwell and Staley have been recognized on the 2025 Werner Ladder Naismith Women’s College Coach of the Year Late Season Watch List, an accolade highlighting their exceptional contributions to the sport. Staley stands out as the only four-time recipient of this prestigious award, having secured it in each of the past three seasons. Her historic achievements underscore her sustained excellence and impact on women’s college basketball.
Caldwell’s immediate impact at Tennessee is noteworthy. Transitioning into a program with a storied history, she has reinvigorated the team, fostering a competitive spirit and resilience. The Lady Vols’ performance against high-caliber opponents reflects Caldwell’s strategic acumen and ability to maximize her players’ potential. Her inclusion on the Naismith Coach of the Year Watch List in her first season with Tennessee speaks volumes about her coaching prowess and the respect she commands in the basketball community.
Staley’s tenure at South Carolina has been marked by consistent success and groundbreaking milestones. Recently, she signed a historic contract extension, making her the highest-paid coach in women’s college basketball history. This commitment reflects the university’s recognition of her invaluable contributions and the sustained excellence she brings to the program. Under her leadership, the Gamecocks have achieved a program-record 43-game winning streak and an SEC-best 71-game home winning streak, both testaments to the culture of success she has cultivated.
The head-to-head matchups between Tennessee and South Carolina further highlight the competitive dynamic between Caldwell and Staley. In a recent encounter, the Gamecocks secured a 70-63 victory over the Lady Vols, a game that showcased the tactical prowess of both coaches. Caldwell acknowledged South Carolina’s disciplined play and capitalized on learning opportunities for her team, while Staley commended her players’ execution and resilience under pressure.
Beyond the statistics and accolades, both coaches have made significant contributions to the growth and visibility of women’s basketball. Caldwell’s fresh perspective and dynamic approach have revitalized the Lady Vols, engaging fans and inspiring young athletes. Staley’s influence extends beyond the court; her leadership and advocacy have been instrumental in elevating the profile of the sport nationally. Her recent induction into the FIBA Hall of Fame further cements her legacy as a transformative figure in basketball.
As the season approaches its climax, the decision of who merits the Best Head Coach of the Year award becomes increasingly complex. Caldwell’s remarkable debut season and immediate impact at Tennessee present a compelling case. Conversely, Staley’s sustained excellence, historic achievements, and profound influence on the sport underscore her candidacy. Ultimately, the selection reflects not only the season’s successes but also the broader contributions each coach has made to women’s college basketball.
In conclusion, the debate between Kim Caldwell and Dawn Staley for Best Head Coach of the Year epitomizes the high caliber of leadership in women’s college basketball. Both coaches have transcended traditional boundaries, setting new standards of excellence and inspiring future generations. Their dedication, strategic brilliance, and unwavering commitment to their teams have enriched the sport, making the decision a testament to the thriving state of women’s basketball.