Mizzou hiring Kellie Harper as women’s basketball head coach

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Mizzou Athletics has named the next leader of its women's basketball team.

MU announced it is hiring former Tennessee head coach Kellie Harper to take the reins of the program, following the departure of Robin Pingeton at the end of the 2024-25 season.

"I am incredibly honored to be the next head coach at Mizzou," Harper said in Tuesday's press release. "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."

The Tennessee native has 20 years of head coaching experience, making stops at Tennessee (2019-24), Missouri State (2013-19), North Carolina State (2009-13) and Western Carolina (2004-09).

Harper enjoyed plenty of success at all four of those universities. She owns a 393-260 career mark, posting winning records with each program and becoming one of just two coaches in the sport's history to reach the NCAA Tournament with four different teams. In her most recent tenure at Tennessee, she led the Volunteers to the second round of the NCAA Tournament or better in four campaigns, including a pair of Sweet 16's. Collectively, Harper has clinched nine NCAA Tournament berths.

MU's fifth head coach in program history has also developed professional-level talent. Harper has developed four straight WNBA first-round draft picks, becoming one of just three coaches in women's college basketball history to achieve that feat.

"We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Kellie Harper and her family to Mizzou," Veatch said in the press release. "Kellie is a proven winner and dynamic leader who understands the 'Will to Win' necessary to succeed at the sport's highest level. 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."

Along with 29 total years worth of NCAA Division I coaching experience, Harper also brings experience as a professional basketball player. After winning three consecutive national championships (1996-98) under legendary head coach Pat Summitt, the former point guard was drafted by the Cleveland Rockers in the WNBA Draft. Harper recorded 894 points and 452 assists in her collegiate playing career.

"I am thrilled for the hiring of Kellie Harper as Mizzou's next women's basketball coach," former Mizzou All-American Sophie Cunningham said in the press release. "Kellie and her husband, Jon, have experienced winning both in Missouri and in the SEC. I have so much respect for Coach Harper, and I can't wait to support her and our Tigers, however I can. I know from experience how incredible this fan base is when they're excited about women's basketball, and I can't wait to get Mizzou Arena rocking! Congratulations to Laird, the Board of Curators and Mizzou Nation on a fantastic hire. MIZ baby!"

Mizzou is expected to release details about Harper's introductory press conference at a later date.