The month of March is the most exciting time for college basketball, primarily because of March Madness. However, it can also be a gut-wrenching period for schools, with coaches being fired or poached by other programs. Last season, Tennessee’s Justin Gainey was a top candidate for the North Carolina State job, but the boosters ultimately wanted Will Wade.
“The money/collective side has pushed hard for Will Wade,” SI’s Matt Giles wrote. “That is their choice and they have made it known to Boo. Boo has talked to Justin Gainey, and that would be his choice.”
Gainey ended up losing the job to Wade, but his opportunity to become a head coach in the ACC was tantalizingly close. On Sunday, a report emerged that Georgia Tech would be firing Damon Stoudamire, and within hours, Gainey’s name surfaced due to his ties to the school.
“Tennessee associate head coach Justin Gainey is a candidate for the Georgia Tech job, according to Joe Tipton. Georgia Tech AD Ryan Alpert was hired away from Tennessee last July and was very familiar with the men’s basketball program,” On3 Sports’ Grant Ramey wrote.
The Volunteers would certainly miss Gainey if he takes a head coaching position elsewhere. There has also been speculation that this could be Rick Barnes’ final season at Rocky Top.
“I believe this will be the last season of Rick Barnes. Pack out the TBA and show a legend some love. God bless Rick Barnes,” SI’s Luke Brush wrote.
If Gainey is willing to leave Tennessee, he likely knows that Barnes’ tenure is approaching its end. While nothing has been confirmed, it seems inevitable that Gainey will eventually land a head coaching gig somewhere.
He is a top recruiter and talent developer, a fact demonstrated by the numerous draft picks he has helped guide throughout his coaching career. Tennessee and Barnes now face the risk of losing Gainey two consecutive seasons in a row.
