BREAKING NEWS: Excitements Hits Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center Stadium as Former Head Coach Tennessee Volunteers Men’s Basketball Legend Don DeVoe has Returned to Former Team as a Senior Coaching…see more…

A wave of nostalgia and excitement swept through Rocky Top today as it was officially announced that Don DeVoe, the legendary former head coach of the Tennessee Volunteers men’s basketball team, is returning to the program. The iconic figure, who led the Vols during one of the most defining eras in the school’s basketball history, will now serve as Senior Coaching Advisor, reuniting with the program he once transformed into an SEC powerhouse.

The announcement was made in a packed press conference at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center, where fans, alumni, and current players erupted into cheers upon hearing the news. At 83 years old, DeVoe brings back not only a deep well of basketball knowledge but a rich connection to the university’s tradition and values.

A Titan Returns

Don DeVoe served as the head coach of the Tennessee Volunteers from 1978 to 1989, compiling a 204–137 record and leading the team to nine postseason appearances, including five straight NCAA Tournament bids. Known for his intense defensive focus, structured offensive sets, and disciplined style, DeVoe helped elevate Tennessee basketball on the national stage.

His 1980–81 team, led by Vols legend Dale Ellis, won the SEC championship and reached the NCAA Sweet Sixteen. DeVoe’s teams were known for their grit and ability to compete with the best programs in the country. Decades later, his legacy still echoes throughout the hallways of Thompson-Boling Arena.

Now, he returns to the hardwood—not as the man with the whistle, but as the wise voice in the background, guiding the next generation.

The Role of Senior Coaching Advisor

In this newly created advisory role, DeVoe will collaborate directly with current head coach Rick Barnes and his staff. His responsibilities will include providing strategic consultation, mentoring younger coaches and players, evaluating player development, and contributing to the overall program direction.

“This is a homecoming that means the world to me,” DeVoe said during the press event. “Tennessee is where I experienced some of my greatest coaching moments, and I’m honored to be able to give back. My goal is to support Coach Barnes and his staff in any way I can and to help the Vols continue to compete at the highest level.”

Coach Rick Barnes, who has revitalized the program in recent years with multiple NCAA Tournament runs, called DeVoe’s return “a blessing” and emphasized the value of his presence.

“Coach DeVoe has built a legacy that we all respect. His return will inspire our players and strengthen our identity as a program built on toughness, character, and tradition,” Barnes said.

Fan and Alumni Reactions

The response from the Tennessee community has been overwhelmingly positive. Social media platforms lit up with tributes to DeVoe, and several former players expressed excitement about his return. Dale Ellis, one of DeVoe’s former stars, posted on X (formerly Twitter), “The General is back! Love to see Coach DeVoe helping shape the next generation of Vols.”

Students and fans gathered outside the arena during the press conference, waving orange and white banners and chanting “Welcome back, Coach!”

Looking Forward

With the 2025–26 season on the horizon, the Vols are aiming to make a deep NCAA Tournament run after a strong showing last year. Adding a figure like Don DeVoe to the fold gives the program a deeper well of wisdom and reinforces its connection to a proud basketball tradition.

DeVoe ended his remarks with the same quiet confidence he showed on the sidelines decades ago: “We’ve got a great team, a great staff, and the best fans in the country. I’m just here to help however I can. Let’s go win.”

For Vol Nation, the return of Coach DeVoe is more than a symbolic gesture—it’s a powerful reminder of the program’s roots, and a promising sign for its future.