List of Coaching Candidates for Vols Basketball

The Vols are now searching for their third basketball head coach in three seasons after the firing of Donnie Tyndall. Who will the Vols consider? PHOTO: Joshua Lindsey-USA TODAY Sports

After learning that head basketball coach Donnie Tyndall would be accused of committing academic and financial violations while head coach at Southern Miss, Tennessee Athletic Director Dave Hart decided it was time to part ways with Tyndall after only one season and less than 12 months on the job. His decision leaves the Vols looking for their 3rd coach in 3 seasons. In fact, in the last decade, the Vols have had 11 different coaches in the three major men’s athletic sports (football, basketball, and baseball) including the new basketball hire.

Whoever the Vols hire will be inheriting one of the thinnest and undersized rosters not only in the SEC, but in all of college basketball. The fan base is rapidly beginning to lose interest amid the turmoil, and the situation surrounding AD Dave Hart is less than stable at this juncture.

So, needless to say, the Vols need a solid hire this time around, one without a checkered past with the NCAA and one that either holds a promising future or a proven track record. We’ll go ahead and eliminate guys like Shaka Smart, Gregg Marshall, and yes, Bruce Pearl, from the list because they’re unrealistic hires despite what many fans think or say.

Here are some of the top candidates for Tennessee’s head coaching vacancy as it stands right now (candidates listed in alphabetical order). Updates will come as they are known.