By Jimmy Hyams

SANDESTIN, Fla. – Look for Tennessee to announce a contract extension soon for Lady Vols coach Holly Warlick.

Warlick, who just completed her sixth year as UT’s head coach, has one year left on her current deal.

Asked if UT was close to an agreement or announcement of Warlick’s contract, Tennessee athletic director Phillip Fulmer on Wednesday said: “Yep we’re close …. And we should have something pretty soon.’’

Warlick was asked if she had an agreement in principle.

“I think we do,’’ said the former Lady Vols All-American player. “We’re just trying to work through a couple of things within the contract.

“Coach Fulmer has been extremely honest and I appreciate that. And he publicly stated he wants to give me an extension and I think that will happen.’’

Does she think it will happen soon?

“I do, I do,’’ she said.

Two key components of the contract are the years and the buyout.

It’s likely that Warlick will get at least a two-year extension.

If so, what’s the buyout?

Since 2004, Tennessee has paid over $26 million in buyouts to coaches and athletic directors.

Given that fact, you would think UT would careful with the buyout language regarding Warlick.

While Warlick has an impressive won-loss record, the standard for the Lady Vols is high.

Tennessee hasn’t been to the Final Four in 10 years – by far the longest drought in program history, going back to the AIAW days in the 1970s.

Tennessee also hasn’t won the SEC regular-season or SEC tournament title in three years. Warlick won three such titles in her first three years.

On the flip side, UT had the No. 1 ranked recruiting class in 2017 and followed that up with the No. 4 class in 2018, giving hope that better days are ahead.

Warlick said the 2017 class did well.

“I thought they’d come in and contribute,’’ she said. “They played a lot of minutes. I liked how they matured and got along with our (returning) players. So, yeah, I think they … probably exceeded my expectations.’’

Can the 2018 class have a similar impact?

“I do, I do,’’ she said. “I’ve seen their commitment. I’ve seen their energy. Obviously, they’re talented. But just their commitment to getting better is up there, a little bit more than our freshman (from last year). I think definitely they can make an impact soon.’’

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