Steve McClain’s arrival in Knoxville marks a pivotal addition to an already strong Tennessee Volunteers basketball program
With over four decades of experience, a passion for mentorship, and a mind for the game, McClain offers much more than X’s and O’s. He’s a coach’s coach — someone who elevates everyone around him.
As the 2025–26 season nears tip-off, Tennessee fans have every reason to be excited.
With Rick Barnes at the helm and Steve McClain now by his side, the Volunteers are well-equipped to chase their championship aspirations with renewed purpose and strength.
Though the Volunteers fell short of the Final Four, their 2025 NCAA Tournament run was a testament to their growth, grit, and determination.
They defeated top-tier programs, embraced their defensive identity, and showed that Tennessee basketball remains a force to be reckoned with.
For Rick Barnes and his team, the journey may not have ended in a championship, but it was another meaningful chapter in the program’s evolution. With momentum on their side and a culture of excellence in place, the future remains bright for the Volunteers.
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Table of Contents
Rick Barnes: “An Easy Decision”
Rick Barnes, now entering his 10th year with the Volunteers and widely regarded as one of college basketball’s most respected coaches, emphasized that the decision to hire McClain was straightforward.1
“Steve is a veteran coach who has accomplished so much over four-plus decades,” Barnes said in a statement. “It was an easy decision to seize the chance to hire him at Tennessee, and we’re happy to have him.”
Barnes went on to praise McClain’s coaching acumen, player-centric approach, and passion for the game, qualities that he believes will immediately benefit the program.
“His experience, coaching acumen and care for his players will be invaluable. I am confident Steve will give his all for Tennessee on a daily basis and that our program will benefit from his passion.”
I don’t tweet much but my daughter sent me this and I was moved to share it. Will you be one of his 100,000? https://t.co/PGCvSwEkro
— Rick Barnes (@RickBarnesUT) April 5, 2017
A New Chapter for McClain
For McClain, this opportunity represents more than just another coaching job — it’s a chance to join one of the SEC’s premier programs under a Hall of Fame-caliber head coach.
In his own statement, McClain expressed gratitude and eagerness to get started.
“I want to thank Coach Barnes for the opportunity to join such a fantastic basketball program,” McClain said. “I am so excited for the chance to work for a Hall of Famer and can’t wait to be alongside the excellent staff already in place.”
He also acknowledged the prestige of the Tennessee athletic department:
“Tennessee is one of the premier athletic departments in the country, and it’s truly an honor to be a Volunteer.”
Rick Barnes: Head Coaching Experience at UIC
Before his recent assistant coaching tenure at Texas, McClain served as the head coach at the University of Illinois-Chicago (UIC) from 2015 to 2020.2
During his five-year stint with the Flames, McClain compiled a 76–93 record.
While his overall record may appear modest, his leadership during the 2019–20 season — where UIC posted an 18–17 record and made a run to the Horizon League Championship game — highlighted his ability to guide teams through adversity and maximize talent.
The Tennessee Volunteers men’s basketball program made a strategic move to strengthen its coaching staff ahead of the 2025–26 NCAA season.
The team announced the hiring of veteran coach Steve McClain as an assistant to head coach Rick Barnes, a decision that adds decades of experience to an already elite coaching unit.
The announcement came via the team’s official Instagram page, where statements from both Barnes and McClain reflected mutual respect and enthusiasm.
The Strategic Impact of McClain’s Hiring
Bringing McClain on board is a move that reflects Tennessee’s ambition to remain competitive in the Southeastern Conference and beyond.
With the 2025–26 season on the horizon, his veteran insights and ability to mentor both players and younger coaches will be a tremendous asset.
Known for his structured yet adaptive coaching philosophy, McClain’s presence is expected to enhance the Volunteers’ game planning, scouting, and player development programs.
Steve McClain brings an impressive 43 years of coaching experience to Knoxville, including 31 years at the NCAA Division I level.
His career is marked by a mix of head coaching roles and assistant positions that have shaped his deep understanding of the college basketball landscape.
Before joining Tennessee, McClain most recently served as an assistant coach under Rodney Terry at Texas from 2023 to 2025, contributing significantly to player development and in-game strategy.
Rick Barnes: Strengthening the Coaching Core
Tennessee already boasts a strong coaching staff under Barnes, including assistant coaches with expertise in recruiting, analytics, and on-court strategy.3
McClain’s addition rounds out a staff that now has a near-perfect balance of youthful energy and seasoned leadership.
His vast coaching tree connections and familiarity with multiple playing styles will only expand the team’s strategic versatility.
A Focus on Player Development
Throughout his career, McClain has earned praise for his role in shaping young athletes into polished college players and, in some cases, future professionals.
Whether through personalized skill development sessions or leadership mentoring, he is deeply committed to helping players grow on and off the court.
His emphasis on fundamentals and situational basketball fits seamlessly with Barnes’ approach to building a culture of discipline and accountability.
McClain’s experience working across several conferences—including the Big 12, Mountain West, and Horizon League—positions him well to aid in recruiting.
His connections, particularly in the Midwest and Texas regions, could help Tennessee tap into new recruiting pipelines. Moreover, recruits and their families will value the mentorship that someone of McClain’s stature can offer.
A Timeline of McClain’s Coaching Journey
McClain’s journey in coaching began in 1982. Since then, he’s held numerous positions, including:
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Assistant Coach at Wyoming (1987–1991)
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Assistant Coach at TCU and Texas A&M (early 1990s)
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Head Coach at Wyoming (1998–2007) – led the Cowboys to an NCAA Tournament appearance
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Assistant Coach at Colorado and Indiana
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Head Coach at UIC (2015–2020)
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Assistant Coach at Texas (2023–2025)
Now, at Tennessee, he’s entering a new phase of his coaching life, one that may very well bring new accolades to his distinguished résumé.
The Volunteers’ Outlook for 2025–26
Tennessee enters the upcoming season with high expectations. After consistent NCAA Tournament appearances under Barnes, the program is poised for another deep run.
With McClain’s addition, the Volunteers hope to tighten any loose ends, whether on defense, in late-game execution, or in developing key rotational players.
Returning talent, a strong incoming class, and now one of the most experienced coaching staffs in the nation suggest that Tennessee will be a force to reckon with in the SEC.
Hiring McClain isn’t just about winning basketball games — it’s about sustaining a culture of excellence.
Both Barnes and Tennessee Athletic Director Danny White have emphasized building a program that succeeds with integrity, player growth, and long-term development. McClain’s track record fits this mission perfectly.
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How Rick Barnes’ Tennessee Fared in the 2025 NCAA Tournament?
The 2024–25 college basketball season was one of high hopes for the Tennessee Volunteers.
Under the steady leadership of head coach Rick Barnes, the Vols entered the year with a deep roster, solid experience, and a hunger to prove themselves in March.
Finishing the season with a 27-7 overall record and a strong run in the SEC Tournament, Tennessee earned a No. 2 seed in the Midwest regional of the NCAA Tournament—a testament to their consistency and Barnes’ coaching acumen.
The Volunteers were led by junior point guard Zakai Zeigler, who anchored both ends of the floor, and dynamic transfer guard Chaz Lanier, who emerged as a key offensive weapon.
Their combination of perimeter defense and explosive scoring made them a formidable force heading into March Madness.
Opening Round: Businesslike Victory Against Wofford
In the first round of the NCAA Tournament, Tennessee matched up with the No. 15 seed Wofford Terriers.
While the Terriers posed some potential as a giant-slaying underdog with their sharp shooting, the Vols were focused and disciplined.
They controlled the tempo early, establishing dominance in the paint and limiting Wofford’s perimeter opportunities.
Chaz Lanier lit up the scoreboard with 26 points, including five three-pointers, while Zeigler orchestrated the offense with poise.
Tennessee’s defensive pressure forced multiple turnovers and prevented Wofford from gaining any real rhythm.
The Volunteers cruised to a comfortable 77-62 win, setting the tone for what fans hoped would be a deep tournament run.
Rick Barnes’ Coaching Legacy at Tennessee
Rick Barnes’ coaching career is one of the most enduring in college basketball, and his time at Tennessee has been marked by consistency, culture, and competitiveness.
The 2025 run marked his second Elite Eight appearance with the Volunteers, and while the elusive Final Four still remains out of reach, Barnes continues to elevate the program to national relevance year after year.
Barnes has now led Tennessee to six straight NCAA Tournament appearances and consistently finishes near the top of the SEC.
Though critics often cite his struggles in advancing deep into March, his ability to recruit, develop talent, and build disciplined, tough-minded teams cannot be ignored.
The Role of Zeigler and the Senior Leadership
Zakai Zeigler’s leadership throughout the tournament was crucial for Tennessee’s success. Despite standing at just 5’9”, his impact on the floor was immense.
He dictated the tempo, played hard-nosed defense, and consistently made the right plays in crunch time. Zeigler’s maturity and command of the offense helped the Volunteers weather tough stretches and maintain their composure in high-pressure moments.
Alongside Zeigler, veteran forward Josiah-Jordan James and big man Jonas Aidoo played key roles in Tennessee’s tournament performance.
Their combined experience gave Tennessee a steadying presence and anchored the defense that carried them into the Elite Eight.
Defensive Identity Defines the Tournament Run
Tennessee’s identity throughout the season and into the NCAA Tournament was rooted in defense. Rick Barnes’ teams have long been known for their intensity on that end of the court, and the 2025 edition was no different.
They held three of their four tournament opponents under 70 points, and their ball pressure, switching schemes, and rim protection gave opposing offenses nightmares.
Even in the loss to Houston, Tennessee’s defense remained active and aggressive, though the Cougars’ physicality eventually wore them down. The Vols’ performance reinforced their status as one of the nation’s elite defensive programs.
What’s Next for the Volunteers?
As the dust settles on the 2025 NCAA Tournament, Tennessee looks ahead with optimism.
Although the team will likely lose some key contributors to graduation or the NBA, Barnes has built a strong foundation and continues to bring in high-level recruits.
Zakai Zeigler is expected to explore professional opportunities, and Lanier’s name is gaining traction among NBA scouts.
However, the incoming freshman class, along with developing players like Freddie Dilione and Cameron Carr, gives Tennessee the tools to remain competitive in the SEC and nationally.
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