List of Coaching Candidates for Vols Basketball

Dec 14, 2014; Syracuse, NY, USA; Louisiana Tech Bulldogs head coach Michael White looks on from the sidelines against the Syracuse Orange during the second half at the Carrier Dome. Syracuse defeated Louisiana Tech 71-69. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

Michael White, Louisiana Tech Bulldogs

Record: 101-40 overall and at Louisiana Tech in 4 seasons

Conference Titles: 3 regular season titles

NCAA Tournament Appearances: None

Salary: $600,000

This is a name that should sound familiar to Vol fans if they followed the coaching search last offseason. Mike White, 38, was the leading candidate to replace Cuonzo Martin for the Vols after the 2013-14 season, and the Vols even offered him the job. But whether it was because of a low offer or the desire to return and coach a talented Louisiana Tech team, White decided to stay with the Bulldogs instead.

Now the Vols may be courting White again. And a look at his track record shows why the Vols are so interested.

White has SEC experience both as a player and a coach. White was a point guard for Ole Miss from 1995-99 and still ranks 6th all-time for the Rebels with 370 assists. He would return to his alma mater in 2004 as an assistant coach where he would stay until 2011. During that time, he gained notoriety as a solid recruiter in the south and as a great developer of talent, especially with shooting guards.

In 2011, White took over at Louisiana Tech as their head coach. After a 18-16 inaugural season, White has led the Bulldogs to 3-straight seasons of at least 27 wins, and his Bulldogs have won the regular season conference title in all 3 of those seasons. White and Louisiana Tech agreed to a 6-year extension in 2014, one that raised his salary to $600,000.

Although White has failed to make an NCAA Tournament appearance yet, his background is enough to entice Vol fans and administration alike. He may have turned down the Vols last season, but White has even fewer returning players for Louisiana Tech for the upcoming season, and the Vols may have learned from last offseason how to negotiate with White.

White has recently said “the train will continue moving” at Tech and appears to want to stay there, but comments like that are often made by coaches who end up leaving mere weeks or days after making those comments. White may not entertain another offer from the Vols, but if he does, then Tennessee will likely make a more lucrative offer this time around.