Rick Barnes Reportedly Hiring Steve McClain as Assistant Coach, Adding Veteran with SEC Experience…
Knoxville, TN — Tennessee head coach Rick Barnes is expected to hire longtime college basketball veteran Steve McClain as an assistant coach, according to multiple reports. The move would bring a seasoned presence to the Volunteers’ coaching staff, bolstering an already experienced bench as the program looks to maintain its status as a perennial contender in the SEC.
McClain, who most recently served as an assistant at Georgia under Tom Crean, is no stranger to the SEC landscape. His time with the Bulldogs (2019–2022) offered him direct insight into the competitiveness and intensity of the conference. Prior to that, McClain held head coaching roles at UIC (University of Illinois at Chicago) from 2015–2020 and Wyoming from 1998–2007. His overall experience spans more than three decades in Division I basketball, with a reputation for player development and offensive strategy.
For Barnes, now entering his 10th season at Tennessee, the addition of McClain reinforces a staff that has seen some turnover in recent years due to promotions and staff reshuffling. The Volunteers are coming off a strong season, reaching the NCAA Sweet 16, and expectations remain high for a deep tournament run next year.
“Steve brings a wealth of knowledge, particularly in guard development and offensive execution,” said a source familiar with the hire. “He’s been in almost every coaching situation you can imagine—rebuilding programs, recruiting nationally, and managing high-pressure environments. That experience is invaluable.”
McClain’s head coaching record includes a Horizon League Coach of the Year award (2017) and a pair of postseason appearances with UIC. His time at Wyoming also included a Mountain West Conference title and multiple 20-win seasons. Beyond head coaching duties, McClain has served as an assistant at established programs like Indiana and Colorado, where he helped orchestrate recruiting efforts and team development.
One key benefit of the hire is McClain’s deep recruiting connections across the Midwest and Southeast, areas where Tennessee continues to compete for top-tier talent. His ability to evaluate and connect with players could be especially useful as the transfer portal era reshapes how rosters are built each offseason.
With Barnes known for his detail-oriented, defense-first approach, McClain is expected to add a complementary voice on the offensive side, particularly in half-court execution and shot selection—two areas where Tennessee has shown both promise and room for improvement.
While Tennessee has yet to make an official announcement, sources indicate the paperwork is in the final stages and McClain is already making contact with players and staff. The move aligns with Barnes’ long-standing strategy of surrounding himself with experienced, adaptable assistants who can step in and contribute immediately.
As the Volunteers begin offseason workouts and prep for the 2025–26 season, McClain’s arrival could offer just the boost needed to navigate another tough SEC slate and compete deep into March.
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