Texas Tech fires Candi Whitaker, Gray-Miller named interim coach

Candi Whitaker is out as Texas Tech women's basketball coach, athletics director Kirby Hocutt announced Monday afternoon.

"This is a program with a proud tradition and history and, obviously, we're short of that position today," Hocutt said. This season marks 25 years since the Lady Raiders won the national championship.

Hocutt said he made the decision Sunday night, one he said was difficult. "We cannot continue to accept this level of performance and a change of leadership was necessary."

Shimmy Gray-Miller will serve as interim head coach. Gray-Miller joined the program before this season. Before Lubbock, she spent two years as an assistant coach at the University of Florida. She has 17 years of coaching experience. 

Whitaker's record leading the Lady Raiders is 54-82,13-61 in Big 12 play. The team lost to (6) Baylor 97-49 Sunday, bringing this season's record to 6-7.

Whitaker played at Tech from 2000 to 2002. 

"Candi Whitaker is a Lady Raider," Hocutt said. "Candi Whitaker is a good person. Candi Whitaker worked very hard to improve this program. Unfortunately, it did not work." Hocutt said she'll continue to be welcome around the university and the athletics program.

The Lady Raiders next face Kansas Wednesday night at the USA.