In a significant development within college basketball coaching circles, Tennessee assistant coach Rod Clark has departed the Volunteers to join the Indiana Hoosiers under new head coach Darian DeVries. This move marks a pivotal moment for both programs as they navigate transitions and aim for continued success in the competitive landscape of NCAA basketball.
Rod Clark’s Tenure at Tennessee
Rod Clark joined the University of Tennessee’s men’s basketball program in April 2021, brought on board by head coach Rick Barnes. Over four seasons, Clark played an instrumental role in the Volunteers’ achievements, contributing to a commendable 109–36 (.751) record during his tenure. His responsibilities encompassed recruiting, player development, and game strategy, areas where he made a notable impact.
Clark’s recruiting acumen was evident in his successful pursuits of key players such as Zakai Zeigler, Tobe Awaka, JP Estrella, and Amari Evans. Additionally, he was pivotal in securing transfers like Chaz Lanier and Dalton Knecht, both of whom became significant contributors to the team’s performance. Under his guidance, the Volunteers achieved back-to-back Elite Eight appearances in 2024 and 2025, marking only the second and third times in program history that Tennessee reached this stage of the NCAA Tournament .
Transition to Indiana
Clark’s move to Indiana comes as part of Darian DeVries’ efforts to assemble a formidable coaching staff following his appointment as the Hoosiers’ head coach. DeVries, who previously led West Virginia for a season, is tasked with revitalizing an Indiana program seeking a return to national prominence. Clark joins a staff that includes assistants Drew Adams, Kenny Johnson, and Nick Norton, all of whom bring diverse experiences and recruiting networks to the table .
At Indiana, Clark is expected to leverage his recruiting prowess and player development skills to attract top talent and enhance the team’s competitive edge. His familiarity with the Midwest recruiting landscape, stemming from his previous coaching stints at Illinois-Chicago and Austin Peay, positions him well to make immediate contributions to the Hoosiers’ recruiting efforts.
Impact on Tennessee
Clark’s departure signifies a notable change within Tennessee’s coaching staff. Head coach Rick Barnes, known for his ability to adapt and maintain program stability, addressed the transition by expressing confidence in the team’s direction. “We’ve got it covered because there’s a lot of people that would obviously love to be at the University of Tennessee — in my job. We are excited about the direction that we are going and we’ve got it pretty much filled,” Barnes stated during the Big Orange Caravan event in Nashville .
The program’s resilience is further underscored by the continued presence of associate head coach Justin Gainey, who, alongside Clark, joined the staff in 2021. Gainey’s experience and familiarity with the team’s culture are expected to provide continuity as Tennessee navigates this coaching change .
Looking Ahead
As Rod Clark embarks on his new role at Indiana, both the Hoosiers and the Volunteers face pivotal moments in their respective journeys. For Indiana, Clark’s addition represents a strategic move to bolster recruiting and player development under Coach DeVries’ leadership. For Tennessee, the transition offers an opportunity to infuse fresh perspectives into the coaching staff while building upon the solid foundation established in recent years.
In the dynamic landscape of college basketball, coaching changes are an inherent part of program evolution. Rod Clark’s move from Tennessee to Indiana exemplifies the fluidity of coaching careers and the continuous pursuit of excellence that defines collegiate athletics.
