Auburn University has parted ways with women’s basketball head coach Johnnie Harris after a four-season tenure marked by both challenges and progress. Appointed in April 2021, Harris brought extensive experience from her previous roles at institutions like Mississippi State and Texas. citeturn0search8
In her first season (2021-2022), the Tigers recorded a 10-18 overall record and a 2-14 mark in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), finishing 14th. The subsequent season (2022-2023) saw improvement, with the team achieving a 16-15 record and advancing to the second round of the Women’s National Invitation Tournament (WNIT). The 2023-2024 season was a significant milestone, as Auburn returned to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2019, securing a 20-win season and a .500 SEC record. However, the 2024-2025 season concluded with a 12-18 record and a 3-13 conference mark, placing 13th in the SEC. citeturn0search5
Throughout her tenure, Harris was recognized for her recruiting prowess, having played a pivotal role in bringing top talent to Auburn. Notably, she facilitated the transfer of Taliah Scott from Arkansas, who led the Razorbacks in scoring during her freshman year. citeturn0search6 Harris also introduced promising freshmen like Jordan Hunter and Syriah Daniels, both of whom made immediate impacts on the court.
Despite these efforts, the team’s performance did not meet the expectations set by the university. Auburn’s athletic director, Allen Greene, expressed gratitude for Harris’s contributions but emphasized the need for a change to elevate the program’s competitiveness within the SEC.
As Auburn searches for a new head coach, the focus will be on revitalizing the women’s basketball program, aiming to build on the foundation laid during Harris’s tenure and striving for greater success in the seasons to come.
For more insights into Coach Johnnie Harris’s perspective during her time at Auburn, you can view her address at the 2025 SEC Basketball Tipoff Central: