Tennessee Athletic Director Danny White has announced that the Lady Vols soccer program will be undergoing a leadership change. Following the conclusion of a 7-5-4 (2-5-3 SEC) regular season, head coach Joe Kirt has been fired.

Now, a nationwide search for the next head coach will begin immediately. Jonathan Morgan will serve as the program’s interim head coach. Morgan was the associate head coach under Kirt.

“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,” White said. “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.

“We will seek input from our soccer student-athletes and then begin the process of identifying the next head coach of our program. While we remain in contention for postseason play, I felt it was in the best interests of everyone involved to make this change now so we can begin our search.”

Kirt spent 20 seasons at Tennessee between time as an assistant and head coach. In that time, he amassed two SEC Tournament championships, three SEC Eastern Division championships and 11 NCAA Tournament appearances.

As a head coach, Kirt finishes his five seasons atop the program with a 48-29-17 record.

“Thankful to Danny for the opportunity to lead this program; it’s been an incredible privilege to share in our program’s tremendous success over the last 20 years,” Kirt said. “I’m grateful to have influenced the truly amazing women who have embodied the Volunteer spirit and will always be Lady Vols! Tennessee will always remain a special place in my heart.”

Kirt took over the head coaching job after Brian Pensky departed the program for Florida State. Pensky was at Tennessee from 2012-2021 before taking over the Seminoles. In Tallahassee, he won the national title in his second season.