BREAKING: Rick Barnes Makes Power Move—Tennessee Volunteers Add Seasoned Coach Steve McClain to Bolster Championship Aspirations

In a bold and calculated move that signals Tennessee’s unrelenting commitment to chasing a national championship, Volunteers head coach Rick Barnes has added veteran strategist Steve McClain to his coaching staff. The addition marks a major step forward for the program, injecting more than three decades of coaching experience into a team that already boasts elite talent and leadership.

McClain, widely respected in college basketball circles, brings a wealth of experience from both head coaching and assistant roles across several major programs. His hiring is being hailed by analysts and fans alike as a potential game-changer for the Volunteers heading into a pivotal season.

Steve McClain’s coaching résumé is extensive and impressive. He’s perhaps best known for his time as the head coach at Wyoming, where he led the Cowboys to the NCAA Tournament and earned Mountain West Coach of the Year honors. He later served as the head coach at UIC (University of Illinois at Chicago) and as a top assistant at programs like Indiana and Georgia.

His reputation as a brilliant offensive mind and player developer has followed him throughout his career. Known for his intensity, attention to detail, and ability to connect with players, McClain is expected to elevate Tennessee’s tactical execution—particularly on offense, an area Barnes has consistently aimed to improve over the years.

Steve brings a championship mindset, tremendous experience, and an incredible work ethic,” Barnes said. “I’ve known him for a long time and have always respected how he teaches and leads. He will be an invaluable asset to our players and staff as we continue to build something special here in Knoxville.”

Barnes, who’s entering his 10th season at the helm in Tennessee, has long emphasized culture and mentorship in assembling his coaching staff. The addition of McClain underscores Barnes’ approach—surrounding players with strong, experienced voices that both challenge and uplift.

This coaching move arrives at a crucial time for Tennessee. The Volunteers are coming off a strong 2024–25 campaign that saw them make a deep NCAA Tournament run. With a top-10 recruiting class incoming and several veteran players returning, expectations are sky-high in Knoxville.

Adding McClain offers not just a tactical boost, but also a strategic advantage in preparation and game-planning. His experience in navigating high-pressure moments and tough conference slates should pay immediate dividends, especially in the gauntlet that is the SEC.

National analysts have been quick to praise the Volunteers’ decision. ESPN’s Seth Greenberg called the hire “a savvy and impactful move that could make Tennessee a Final Four contender.” Jeff Goodman of Stadium echoed that sentiment, noting that McClain’s “tactical expertise and veteran savvy are exactly what Tennessee needs to get over the hump.”

Fans have also responded enthusiastically on social media, viewing the hire as another sign that Barnes and Tennessee are all-in on winning now. With Kentucky, Auburn, and Alabama all making headlines of their own this offseason, this move helps keep Tennessee firmly in the national conversation.

Several current and former Tennessee players expressed excitement at the news, sharing their support for the hire and anticipation for what McClain can bring to the locker room.

With McClain now officially on board, all eyes turn to the Volunteers’ summer workouts and fall preseason schedule. How quickly he meshes with the rest of the staff and embeds his influence on the players will be closely watched.

Rick Barnes has always prioritized building a program rooted in excellence, discipline, and unity. By bringing in Steve McClain, he’s added another high-caliber piece to that foundation—one with the experience, hunger, and savvy to help guide the Volunteers to new heights.