Tennessee is moving on from soccer coach Joe Kirt after a 2026 season that started with promise and then slipped away.
The Volunteers opened the year by winning six of their first nine matches, with the other three ending in draws. But the momentum didn’t last. Tennessee managed just one more victory the rest of the way, finishing the season with a 7-5-4 record after winning its final game.
That finish left the Vols outside the SEC tournament and, as the source indicates, in a strong position to miss the NCAA tournament as well. With the season over, Tennessee and athletic director Danny White decided a change was needed.
The school announced early on November 2nd that it was parting ways with Kirt and beginning the search for a new head coach.
“Joe is a tremendous person whose dedication and passion have left a lasting impact on Tennessee soccer, both during his years as an assistant and as our head coach,” said White. “This decision was not made lightly, and it in no way reflects on Joe’s character or his unwavering commitment to our student-athletes.
We are deeply appreciative of his leadership, his integrity, and the positive influence he’s had on everyone involved with our program. We will always be grateful for Joe’s service and wish him and his family all the best in the future," according to the Tennessee athletics department.
For now, Tennessee will turn to Jonathan Morgan as interim head coach while the search for a permanent replacement gets underway.
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