Tennessee basketball is adding a wealth of experience to its bench. Head coach Rick Barnes has officially announced the hiring of Steve McClain, a respected and battle-tested veteran of the college basketball world. With 43 years of coaching under his belt, McClain arrives on Rocky Top as a valuable addition to a program that continues to push for elite status in the national college basketball conversation.
McClain’s name might not jump off the page to casual fans, but in coaching circles, he is widely regarded as a sharp basketball mind and a relentless competitor. His decades of experience span across multiple conferences and roles, including successful tenures as both a head coach and an assistant. His résumé is stacked with knowledge that only time can teach, and that wisdom is now at the service of a Tennessee program looking to build on recent successes and make an even deeper impact in March.
McClain’s coaching career began in 1982, and he has held a variety of roles since then. Most notably, he served as the head coach at the University of Wyoming from 1998 to 2007, where he led the Cowboys to the NCAA Tournament and multiple 20-win seasons. His teams were known for their toughness and defensive intensity—traits that align well with the brand of basketball Rick Barnes has instilled in Knoxville. After Wyoming, McClain served as an assistant coach at Colorado and Indiana before taking the reins at UIC (University of Illinois at Chicago), where he again brought a steady hand to a program in transition.
During his five-year stint at UIC, McClain’s teams showed marked improvement, and his ability to mentor young players while maintaining competitive standards stood out. From player development to in-game adjustments, McClain brings a level of nuance and experience that is rare in today’s coaching landscape.
In recent years, McClain has continued to impact college basketball in a variety of support roles, most recently serving as a special assistant at Georgia. Now, as he steps into his new role with Tennessee, there is a sense of renewed energy and purpose. This is a seasoned coach re-entering the national spotlight with a program that has every intention of remaining in it.
Rick Barnes, who himself is one of the most respected coaches in the country, emphasized McClain’s character and coaching acumen in the official announcement. Barnes and McClain have crossed paths over the years, and there is a mutual respect between the two that promises to result in strong collaboration. For Barnes, the addition of McClain isn’t just about bringing in another set of eyes—it’s about integrating a proven leader who can contribute to every facet of the program.
Tennessee fans have come to expect excellence under Barnes, and with McClain now on board, the coaching staff only deepens its bench strength. This is a program that has consistently produced top-tier defenses, developed NBA-caliber players, and contended for SEC titles. With McClain involved, the Vols gain another voice capable of maximizing talent, preparing players mentally and physically, and navigating the complexities of a grueling college basketball season.
Moreover, McClain’s presence offers additional value when it comes to recruiting. While not a headline name for blue-chip prospects, McClain’s experience and connections across the country can help Tennessee identify and land under-the-radar talent—players who might not grab immediate attention but who fit the program’s culture and long-term development model. His ability to evaluate potential and build trust with young athletes could prove vital as the Vols look to continue restocking their roster with hungry, coachable talent.
As the landscape of college basketball continues to shift—with NIL opportunities, the transfer portal, and ever-increasing expectations—having a veteran like McClain in the building can help provide perspective. He has seen the game evolve over four decades and brings a calm, measured approach that should serve Tennessee well in high-pressure moments. Whether it’s offering guidance to assistants, breaking down film with players, or helping fine-tune practice plans, McClain is capable of contributing meaningfully from day one.
Another aspect that makes McClain’s arrival noteworthy is his adaptability. Few coaches have lasted as long as he has without learning to adjust with the times. He has worked under a variety of systems, coached players from diverse backgrounds, and dealt with nearly every situation imaginable. His adaptability is a strength Tennessee can lean on, particularly as the team looks to maintain its identity while still evolving to match the demands of modern basketball.
For the players, McClain is an example of what dedication to the game looks like. He brings a blue-collar mentality and a deep understanding of how to build successful habits. At a time when younger athletes are navigating unprecedented external pressures, having someone like McClain to offer perspective, mentorship, and tough love is invaluable.
Tennessee’s basketball culture is one built on accountability, work ethic, and mutual respect. Steve McClain fits that mold to perfection. His no-nonsense approach, combined with a genuine passion for helping players succeed, makes him a natural fit alongside Rick Barnes and the rest of the staff. This hire isn’t about headlines—it’s about substance, stability, and sustained excellence.
As Tennessee continues preparing for the upcoming season, there will be plenty of storylines to watch: new additions to the roster, returning stars, and the ongoing development of one of the SEC’s premier programs. Amid all of that, the presence of Steve McClain may not always dominate the spotlight, but his fingerprints will be on everything the team does.
It’s not often that a program can add a coach with over four decades of experience, but that’s exactly what Tennessee has done. In Steve McClain, the Volunteers are gaining more than a coach—they’re gaining a mentor, a strategist, and a steady hand. And in a sport where the margin for error is razor-thin, those qualities matter more than ever.
Expect McClain to play a pivotal role in shaping Tennessee’s identity moving forward. Whether the goal is winning the SEC, making a deep tournament run, or simply maintaining the high standards already in place, having someone with his track record will only strengthen the program’s foundation.
In the world of college basketball, experience is both a weapon and a shield. With Steve McClain now on the bench, Tennessee has a little more of both.
