Longhorns assistant Erik Sullivan gets massive call to replace icon Karch Kiraly as Team USA women’s volleyball coach

Erik Sullivan has been a driving force alongside Jerritt Elliott with building the Texas volleyball program into a national powerhouse with three national titles.

Now, he’s shooting for something even bigger in the 2028 Summer Olympics.

Sullivan has been named the head coach for the U.S. women’s national volleyball team, USA Volleyball announced Monday. Sullivan replaces volleyball icon Karch Kiraly at a time when the sport is exploding in popularity at all levels in the United States and new professional leagues eye mainstream success.

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“I’m honored and excited to take on this new responsibility as head coach of the U.S. Women’s National Team,” Sullivan said in a statement released by Texas. “Karch Kiraly has left an incredible legacy, and I’m committed to continuing the work he has done with this amazing team.

“My goal is to build on a strong foundation and create an environment where our athletes can develop to their fullest potential while competing at the highest level. I look forward to working alongside this talented group of athletes as we prepare for the challenges ahead.”

Sullivan will leave his role with UT immediately, and a search will begin for his replacement. In 14 seasons in Austin, Sullivan worked with the liberos and middle blockers while developing defense and scouting reports and taking a lead role in recruiting.

During his time with Elliott, the Longhorns won 368 matches, 12 conference titles, eight NCAA tournament Final Four appearances and won it all in 2021, 2022 and 2023.

Sullivan is a two-time Olympian himself, serving as a libero in the 2000 and 2004 Olympic Games with the U.S. men’s team. He played internationally in Europe and has worked extensively with the Team USA men’s team for two decades.

“I’m thrilled that Erik Sullivan will be the next head coach of the U.S. women’s national team,” two-time Olympian and Texas ex Chiaka Ogbogu said in a statement. “The team will continue its tradition of being led by a world-class coach, and Erik’s experience as an Olympian will be invaluable.

“The volleyball knowledge I gained from him continues to shape my game, but the leadership lessons he taught me—about upholding a gold-medal standard—are what I’m most grateful for.”