AUBURN, Ala. (WRBL) – Auburn University made a surprising move over the weekend, terminating women’s tennis coach Caroline Lilley in the midst of a successful season. The decision, announced by athletic director John Cohen on Sunday, raises questions about the abrupt change in leadership for the No. 14-ranked team.

“The program will be under the direction of members of the men’s and women’s tennis staff on an interim basis, as the search for a permanent replacement begins. We will work closely with members of our tennis staff to ensure they have all the resources necessary to support our student athletes throughout the remainder of the 2024 season,” said athletic director John Cohen on Sunday.

The university has not provided details about the reasons behind the sudden termination, prompting inquiries into the circumstances leading to this decision. With the coaching staff in flux, members of the men’s and women’s tennis teams will take charge on an interim basis while Auburn initiates the search for a permanent replacement. Cohen assured the university’s commitment to supporting student athletes during the remainder of the 2024 season.

Caroline Lilley, who took on the role of women’s tennis coach at Auburn in 2019, leaves behind a legacy marked by the team’s success, making it to the NCAA Tournament’s Sweet Sixteen in the past two seasons. The unexpected change in leadership has left fans and observers speculating about the future direction of the women’s tennis program at Auburn University.