The Tennessee basketball program lost one of its top assistants earlier this week in Rod Clark. Clark, known as a phenomenal recruiter, fit the theme of Rick Barnes’ staff, which has long prioritized strong recruiting. He spent four years on Rocky Top before making the sudden decision to join Darian DeVries’ staff at Indiana.
The move came as a surprise to Tennessee fans, but it's clear there was communication between Barnes and Clark. Barnes seemed confident he would quickly find a replacement for his former assistant.
“Rod was great,” Barnes said. “But you know what? We feel we’ve got that position covered.”
Before the announcement of his replacement, Clark shared one final message with Rocky Top.
“My family and I are overwhelmed with gratitude stemming from our time here at the University of Tennessee," Clark wrote. “Thank you, Vol Nation, for four of the best years of my life. Rocky Top is a special place and we will miss Knoxville dearly."
Shortly after Clark's farewell, it was announced that Amorrow Morgan would replace him. Morgan brings eight years of Division I coaching experience, having spent the past two seasons at California. Like Clark, Morgan is considered an elite recruiter—exactly the kind of assistant Barnes favors.
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“Morgan completed his second campaign with Cal this past season before accepting a job at Florida State in late March. His Cal bio described him as "a relentless recruiter," having played a role in signing Jeremiah Wilkinson, who was this season's ACC Sixth Man of the Year and ACC All-Rookie Team selection. Morgan was also instrumental in signing Andrej Stojakovic and Jaylon Tyson,” Ben McKee wrote.
Clark was a strong recruiter, as is associate head coach Justin Gainey, making Morgan a natural fit on Barnes’ staff. With Tennessee still active in the transfer portal, Morgan could have an immediate opportunity to contribute.