Tennessee softball head coach Karen Weekly announced Tuesday the hiring of Ehren Earleywine as associate head coach and hitting coach.
The move comes days after several coaching staff changes within the Lady Vols program and marks a significant restructuring of the staff.
For nearly two decades, Tennessee operated under a co-head coach structure with Ralph and Karen Weekly from 2002-21. Since Ralph’s retirement, Karen has served as the program’s sole head coach.
Earleywine arrives in Knoxville after spending the 2026 season as Texas’ associate head coach. He oversaw the Longhorns’ offense and helped guide the program to a Women’s College World Series championship.
Texas finished ranked among the nation’s top offensive teams with a .336 batting average.
The Longhorns hired Earleywine in August 2025 following a successful stint as Ole Miss’ hitting coach. He helped lead the Rebels to their first Women’s College World Series appearance in 2024.
One of the sport’s most accomplished offensive coaches, Earleywine brings more than 20 years of collegiate coaching experience and more than 600 career victories.
“Ehren is a proven winner and one of the most brilliant minds in college softball,” Weekly said in a statement. “I have known Ehren for over 25 years and am beyond excited to work together.”
Earleywine spent 11 seasons as Missouri’s head coach from 2007-18. He led the Tigers to three WCWS appearances and eight NCAA Super Regionals.
He also served as head coach at Georgia Tech, earning ACC Coach of the Year honors in 2005.
“I am incredibly excited to join the Tennessee softball program,” Earleywine said in a statement. “I’m honored by their trust and look forward to helping build on the championship standard.”
