The University of Tennessee men’s basketball program has bolstered its coaching staff by hiring Steve McClain as an assistant coach. With a remarkable 43-year coaching career, McClain brings a wealth of experience to the Volunteers, further enhancing Head Coach Rick Barnes’ leadership team.
A Storied Coaching Career
Steve McClain’s coaching journey began in the early 1980s and has spanned multiple levels of college basketball. He achieved significant success as the head coach at Hutchinson Community College, leading the team to a National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) national championship in 1994. His tenure at Hutchinson was marked by a 91-16 record over three seasons, earning him the NJCAA Coach of the Year award.
Following his success in junior college, McClain transitioned to Division I basketball, serving as an assistant coach at TCU under Billy Tubbs. In 1998, he became the head coach at the University of Wyoming, where he led the Cowboys to two Mountain West Conference regular-season titles and an NCAA Tournament appearance in 2002. His overall record at Wyoming was 157-115.
McClain’s coaching experience also includes assistant coaching roles at Colorado, Indiana, and Georgia. He served as the head coach at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) from 2015 to 2020. Most recently, he was an assistant coach at Texas, contributing to the team’s success in the NCAA Tournament and the Big 12 Conference.
Joining the Tennessee Volunteers
McClain expressed his enthusiasm about joining the Tennessee program, stating, “I want to thank Coach Barnes for the opportunity to join such a fantastic basketball program. 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.”
Head Coach Rick Barnes welcomed McClain to the team, highlighting his extensive experience and success across various programs. Barnes emphasized that McClain’s leadership and coaching acumen will be invaluable assets to the Volunteers.
Impact on the Program
The addition of Steve McClain to the coaching staff is expected to have a significant impact on the Tennessee men’s basketball program. His extensive experience in coaching at different levels will provide valuable insights and mentorship to the team. McClain’s track record of success, particularly in building competitive programs, aligns with Tennessee’s aspirations to achieve excellence in college basketball.
As the Volunteers prepare for the upcoming season, the integration of McClain into the coaching staff signifies a commitment to enhancing the program’s competitiveness and fostering player development. With his leadership and expertise, McClain is poised to contribute to Tennessee’s continued success on the court.
The Tennessee men’s basketball program is entering an exciting phase with the addition of Steve McClain, whose extensive coaching experience and proven success will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in the team’s future achievements.
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