List of Coaching Candidates for Vols Basketball

Mar 19, 2015; Portland, OR, USA; Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks head coach Brad Underwood instructs against the Utah Utes during the first half in the second round of the 2015 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Brad Underwood, Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks

Record: 61-8 overall and at Stephen F. Austin in 2 seasons

Conference Titles: 2 regular season titles, 2 tournament titles

NCAA Tournament Appearances: 2

Salary: $400,000

It’s not often that a head coach is regarded highly after only 2 years on the job at a small school, but that’s the position Stephen F. Austin’s coach finds himself in. Brad Underwood, 51, has actually been involved in coaching since 1986, but he didn’t get a shot as a head coach at an NCAA school until 2013. But he’s made the most of his opportunity thus far.

In just 2 season as the Lumberjacks’ head coach, Underwood has only lost 1 conference game and only 8 games overall. He’s taken Stephen F. Austin to the NCAA Tournament both seasons he’s been their coach, winning a game in 2014,and they’ve won the regular season and conference championships both seasons as well.

Underwood is rather old for getting his firs shot at the NCAA level, but his talent is unquestionable so far. At a mid-major level, at least. The Lumberjacks certainly think so, anyway, as they signed him to a new 8-year deal after his 1st season, doubling his salary to $400,000. Underwood also has experience in the SEC, as he was an assistant at South Carolina the season before taking over at Stephen F. Austin.

Underwood would be an intriguing hire if the Vols went that direction, but no solid evidence has linked him to the opening other than a few rumors. Only 8 losses in 2 seasons is impressive no matter where you coach, but Underwood may be too unproven still to land a job at Tennessee.