In a Historic Move, the Tennessee Volunteers Name Former Power Forward Grant Williams as Their Special Guard Coach

Knoxville, Tenn. — June 2025 — In a groundbreaking development that bridges past triumphs with future promise, the University of Tennessee announced this week that former Volunteers standout and NBA veteran Grant Williams will return to Rocky Top, not as a player, but in a surprising new role: Special Guard Coach for the men’s basketball team.

The decision, while unorthodox given Williams’ playing background as a power forward, is being hailed as both bold and visionary. It signals Tennessee’s commitment to modernizing its basketball program, leveraging unconventional wisdom, and deepening its roots in the Volunteer legacy. The hire also marks a homecoming for one of the most beloved players in Tennessee basketball history—now primed to make his mark from the sidelines.

Williams’ return to Tennessee is more than symbolic. It’s poetic.

The 6-foot-6 forward from Charlotte, North Carolina, made a lasting impression during his three seasons with the Volunteers from 2016 to 2019. Known for his versatility, high basketball IQ, and relentless work ethic, Williams was a cornerstone of the Rick Barnes era, helping elevate the Vols to national prominence. His accolades include:

• Two-time SEC Player of the Year (2018, 2019)
• Consensus First-Team All-American
• Leader of the 2018-2019 Tennessee squad that spent weeks ranked No. 1 in the nation and advanced to the Sweet 16

From the moment he stepped on campus, Williams exuded leadership, charisma, and an uncanny understanding of the game—a trait that coaches, teammates, and opponents all recognized. It’s that cerebral approach to basketball, combined with his relentless pursuit of excellence, that now brings him back in a new light.

The announcement came at an impromptu press conference held at Thompson-Boling Arena, where Tennessee Athletic Director Danny White and Head Coach Rick Barnes introduced Williams as part of a revamped player development initiative.

“This isn’t just a homecoming,” Barnes said. “This is a strategic decision. Grant sees the game in ways most people don’t. His ability to teach, to inspire, and to connect with players—especially our young guards—is exactly what we need to take this team to the next level.”

But what exactly does a Special Guard Coach do?

According to Barnes and White, the position is designed to enhance the team’s perimeter play, with a focus on decision-making, spacing, reading defenses, and leadership from the backcourt. While traditional assistant coaches handle scouting, recruiting, and game prep, Williams will be embedded with the guards during practice and in film sessions, acting as a mentor and on-court instructor.

“He’s going to bring a forward’s mind to the guard position,” said White. “He understands how the bigs operate, how spacing works, how pick-and-rolls succeed or fail. That insight will give our guards an edge—seeing things differently, more holistically.”

At first glance, the idea of a power forward coaching guards might raise eyebrows. But for those familiar with Williams’ playing style and basketball mind, the move makes sense.

Throughout his college and NBA careers, Williams distinguished himself as a “connector” on the court. He was the player who made smart passes, set intelligent screens, and anticipated opponent movements before they happened. Despite being a frontcourt player by position, he frequently operated as a secondary playmaker—facilitating offense and communicating on defense.

In the NBA, where he played for the Boston Celtics and Dallas Mavericks, Williams was often used as a small-ball center or stretch four. Yet he thrived in offensive systems that demanded spacing, cutting, and intricate reads—skills traditionally emphasized in guard play.

“He’s always been a guard in a big’s body,” said former Tennessee assistant coach Desmond Oliver. “Even as a forward, he thought like a point guard. He understood timing, rhythm, and how to get teammates open. That’s why this hire is genius.”

Tennessee’s decision to bring Williams into the coaching fold isn’t just about Xs and Os. It’s also about culture.

As college basketball becomes increasingly transient—defined by the transfer portal and NIL negotiations—programs are finding it harder to maintain continuity. In Williams, Tennessee sees an opportunity to anchor the team’s identity around someone who bleeds orange and embodies the “Grit, Grind, and Growth” mantra the program prides itself on.

“Grant is Vol basketball,” said senior guard Jahmai Mashack. “He’s walked the walk. He knows what it’s like to wear this jersey, to be in those big games, to deal with pressure and expectations. Having him in the gym every day? That’s gonna raise everybody’s level.”

Moreover, Williams brings NBA experience into the locker room—an invaluable resource for young guards dreaming of the next level. From Jayson Tatum to Luka Dončić, Williams has shared the court with some of the game’s best. His insights into professional routines, film study, and communication are already being felt in offseason workouts.

“He’s been talking to us about how Tatum preps for games, how Luka sees pick-and-rolls before they even develop,” said incoming freshman point guard Chase Holley. “You don’t get that kind of wisdom in most programs.”

Tennessee’s backcourt is in a transitional phase. With the graduation of veterans and the infusion of young talent, the Vols are placing significant emphasis on developing a new generation of floor generals. That’s where Williams’ new role becomes even more critical.

The core of Tennessee’s 2025-26 backcourt includes:

• Chase Holley, a top-40 recruit and explosive playmaker
• DJ Jefferson, a returning sophomore with elite athleticism
• Zyon Pullin, a grad transfer known for his composure and defense

Each of these players brings unique talents, but they’ll need to grow fast in a competitive SEC landscape. Williams will serve as both mentor and mechanic—tweaking footwork, sharpening reads, and reinforcing the mental side of the game.

“We’re not just developing ball-handlers,” Williams said in his first official interview. “We’re developing leaders. Guys who know when to push the tempo, when to calm things down, how to get a team organized. That’s what separates good guards from great ones.”

News of Williams’ hire has sent ripples through the college basketball community, sparking discussions about the evolving nature of player development and coaching roles.

ESPN analyst Jay Bilas called it “a forward-thinking move that challenges traditional norms,” while CBS Sports’ Gary Parrish said, “This could be the beginning of a trend—where schools reimagine coaching positions to focus on skills and mentorship rather than titles.”

Former Vols teammate Admiral Schofield chimed in on social media

In practical terms, the addition of Grant Williams could pay immediate dividends. Tennessee is expected to contend for the top three in the SEC and make another deep NCAA Tournament run. With a strong returning frontcourt, the key to success will lie in consistent guard play—a challenge Williams is already tackling head-on.

But beyond wins and losses, his presence represents a cultural evolution for the program. It’s about legacy, leadership, and leveraging alumni wisdom to mold future stars.

“We want to be a program that develops pros,” said Barnes. “Not just professional players—but professional thinkers, communicators, and leaders. Grant’s presence makes that real.”

Williams, only 26, has hinted that coaching has always been on his radar. While he hasn’t officially retired from professional basketball, he’s clear about his long-term intentions.

“I want to be around the game for a long time,” he said. “Playing, coaching, teaching—it’s all part of the same passion. And to start that next chapter at Tennessee? It’s perfect.”

In the meantime, Vols fans can expect to see him courtside in sweats instead of jerseys, barking instructions instead of calling for the ball. And while it may take some getting used to, one thing’s for certain:

Grant Williams isn’t just coming back. He’s coming back to build.

The hiring of Grant Williams as Tennessee’s Special Guard Coach is one of those rare moves that manages to be sentimental and strategic at the same time. It bridges generations, merges playing insight with coaching innovation, and offers young players a mentor who knows their journey firsthand.

In the ever-evolving landscape of college basketball, the Volunteers have made a historic decision. And in doing so, they’ve positioned themselves at the cutting edge of what modern player development can look like.

Welcome home, Grant.

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