John Adams: Holly Warlick could be coaching for her job next season

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The last game of a season, no matter when it occurs, invariably leads to a question about the next season.

Monday night was no exception. Moments after Tennessee’s 75-64 loss to Louisville in the second round of the NCAA women’s basketball tournament, UT coach Holly Warlick was asked: “What is the message for the offseason with the No. 1 recruiting class coming in?”

Said Warlick: “These kids know what they’re getting into. It’s Tennessee. You’ve got to be on your A game every game.”

That also could apply to the season that had just ended, short of the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2009.

Too often, Tennessee didn’t bring its “A game” in a 20-12 season that included four victories over top-10 teams but puzzling losses to lesser teams like Ole Miss and Alabama (twice).

►Related: Lady Vols need to pay more attention to consistency

That inconsistency speaks to the coaches as well as the players. And it will put Warlick on the proverbial coaching "hot seat" as she enters her sixth season as head coach.

Can the recruiting class change the direction of the program?

It at least will bolster UT’s lack of depth, which was apparent in the loss to Louisville. Tennessee didn’t have enough offensive options, and three of its players – point guard Jordan Reynolds, center Mercedes Russell, and forward Jaime Nared – all played the full 40 minutes against the Cardinals.

►Related: Lady Vols' road magic runs out at worst time

No wonder, Warlick says of her recruiting class: “They’re going to play and they’re going to play at lot.”

But how well will they play? And with whom?

UT will lose only two seniors, Reynolds and Schaquilla Nunn. But seniors might not account for all the attrition.

Redshirt juniors Russell and Diamond DeShields could turn pro. You certainly couldn't expect DeShields to return since one mock draft has her as the WNBA's No. 1 pick. Russell is more likely to come back. Combine her and junior Nared with the touted freshmen, and you could have the makings of the most talented of Warlick's six teams.

Evina Westbrook, ranked as the No. 1 player in the country by one recruiting service, should have an immediate impact. She and recruit Anastasia Hayes could fill the point guard vacancy. Te’a Cooper, who sat out this season after knee surgery, also could help at the point.

This program needs more than an infusion of good players, though. It needs better team chemistry and better leadership.

Tennessee obviously lacked a strong on-the-floor leader this season. But ultimately, leadership must come from the coaches.

Many fans are clamoring for a coaching change. They aren’t accustomed to seeing a program that has won eight national titles lose in the second round of the NCAA tournament or suffer double-digit losses in a single season, as Tennessee has the past two seasons.

So, no matter what players return next season, Warlick could be coaching for her job.

After all, it's Tennessee. And a coach knows what she’s getting into.

John Adams is a senior columnist. He may be reached at 865-342-6284 or john.adams@knoxnews.com. Follow him on Twitter: @johnadamsKNS