A Strategic Addition for the Volunteers
Rick Barnes announced the addition of Chris Parker to the Tennessee Volunteers basketball staff, appointing him as the new assistant director of player development.
Parker arrives after a two‑year stint as a graduate assistant at Texas Christian University, where the Horned Frogs posted a 39‑28 record and reached the NCAA Tournament’s Round of 32 last season.
A native of Arkansas who played collegiately at Division III Henderson State, Parker then transferred to Liberty University, guiding the Flames to a 23‑6 season and an NCAA Tournament appearance as a 13‑seed.
During his lone year at Liberty he averaged 10.3 points, 3.4 assists and 2.1 rebounds, and before coaching he pursued a professional career overseas in Portugal and Georgia.
Barnes highlighted Parker’s blend of playing experience and scouting insight, saying the former point guard will be a key part of the Vols’ player development program and will help craft opponent scouting reports.
He will replace Riley Collins, who departed for an assistant coaching role at North Carolina State, and joins a staff that lost only two assistants this offseason, Justin Gainey and Collins.
Barnes expressed excitement about Parker’s arrival in Knoxville, noting the hire follows the recent appointment of former Boston College head coach Earl Grant to fill the vacancy left by Gainey.
The move underscores Tennessee’s commitment to building a robust development pipeline as the program looks to sustain its competitive edge in the SEC.