Tennessee Basketball has hired Steve McClain as an assistant coach, according to Joe Tipton of On3. McClain also coached at Texas and Georgia before becoming the head coach at UIC. Welcome to Knoxville. Coach McClain
In a strategic move aimed at bolstering the Tennessee Volunteers’ basketball program, Head Coach Rick Barnes has announced the hiring of Steve McClain as an assistant coach. McClain, a seasoned coach with over four decades of experience, brings a wealth of knowledge and a proven track record to Knoxville. His appointment follows the recent transition of Lucas Campbell to the role of Director of Player Personnel/Recruiting Coordinator, as reported by Rocky Top Insider.(Rocky Top Insider)
Steve McClain’s coaching journey is marked by significant achievements and a commitment to player development. He began his collegiate coaching career at Hutchinson Community College, where he compiled an impressive 91-16 record over three seasons and led the team to a National Junior College Championship in 1994. His success at Hutchinson set the stage for a distinguished career in Division I basketball.(UIC Athletics)
McClain’s tenure as head coach at the University of Wyoming from 1998 to 2007 was particularly notable. He guided the Cowboys to three consecutive 20-win seasons, secured back-to-back Mountain West Conference regular-season championships in 2001 and 2002, and led the team to an NCAA Tournament appearance in 2002. His leadership was instrumental in elevating Wyoming’s basketball program to national prominence during this period.(University of Texas Athletics)
Following his time at Wyoming, McClain served as an assistant coach at TCU, Colorado, and Indiana, where he played a pivotal role in recruiting and developing players who went on to have successful careers in the NBA, including Victor Oladipo, Cody Zeller, and Noah Vonleh. His ability to identify and nurture talent has been a hallmark of his coaching philosophy.(University of Texas Athletics)
In 2015, McClain took the helm at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), where he served as head coach for five seasons. Under his guidance, UIC achieved significant milestones, including setting program records for points, three-point field goals made, rebounds, assists, and blocked shots. He also mentored players who earned conference honors, such as Tai Odiase, who was named Horizon League Defensive Player of the Year in both 2017 and 2018.(University of Texas Athletics)
Most recently, McClain spent three seasons as an assistant coach at the University of Texas, contributing to the Longhorns’ success, including a Big 12 Tournament Championship and an Elite Eight appearance in the 2023 NCAA Tournament. His experience at Texas further underscores his capability to excel at the highest levels of college basketball.(Wikipedia)
McClain’s hiring is part of a broader restructuring of Tennessee’s basketball staff. Lucas Campbell, who previously served as an assistant coach, has transitioned to the role of Director of Player Personnel/Recruiting Coordinator. In this new capacity, Campbell will continue to play a significant role in evaluating and recruiting talent, particularly focusing on high school prospects and the transfer portal. He will also collaborate closely with Bryan Lentz and Riley Collins in player development.(Rocky Top Insider)
Additionally, assistant coach Rod Clark departed for a position at Indiana, leading to the hiring of Amorrow Morgan, who previously served as an assistant coach at Cal. Morgan’s appointment brings fresh perspectives and expertise to the coaching staff.(Rocky Top Insider)
Steve McClain’s extensive experience and coaching acumen make him a valuable addition to Tennessee’s basketball program. His background in developing players, particularly in defensive schemes, aligns well with Coach Rick Barnes’ philosophy of building a tough, disciplined team. McClain’s ability to mentor players and his track record of success at various institutions will undoubtedly contribute to the continued growth and competitiveness of the Volunteers.
As Tennessee prepares for the upcoming season, the integration of McClain into the coaching staff is expected to enhance the team’s performance and further solidify the program’s standing in collegiate basketball.
