List of Coaching Candidates for Vols Basketball

Nov 16, 2014; Lexington, KY, USA; Buffalo Bulls head coach Bobby Hurley (R) talks with guard Shannon Evans (11) against the Kentucky Wildcats in the second half at Rupp Arena. Kentucky defeated Buffalo 71-52. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports

Bobby Hurley, Buffalo Bulls

Record: 42-20 overall and at Buffalo in 2 seasons

Conference Titles: 1 regular season, 1 tournament

NCAA Tournament Appearances: 1

Salary: $550,000

While he may be better known during his playing days, Bobby Hurley, 43, has been a solid head coach for his short career thus far. Hurley was Duke’s point guard from 1989-93 where he made a name for himself as the Blue Devils reached the Final Four 3 times in his 4 seasons. He was drafted in the 1st round in 1993 by the Sacramento Kings and enjoyed a 5-year NBA career despite a near fatal car accident his rookie season.

In 2010, Hurley made his first foray into coaching as an assistant at Wagner College. Just 3 years later, Hurley was named the head coach at Buffalo.

Through 2 seasons as Buffalo’s head coach, Hurley has already had quite a bit of success. He went 19-10 in his first season, winning the division crown in the Mid-American Conference. Then his 2nd season saw the Bulls win a conference title in both the regular season and in the conference tournament, and he guided the Bulls to their 1st NCAA Tournament appearance.

Hurley’s career projection seems to be quite high, but for now he may still be too inexperienced for the Vols to take a chance on him. Add in the fact that Hurley recently agreed to a contract extension with the Bulls, and his connection with the Vols looks tenuous at best.