The Tennessee Volunteers had a couple of openings on Rick Barnes’ coaching staff this offseason after Kim English took the George Mason head coaching job and Desmond Oliver took over the ETSU program.

Well, at least one of those positions was filled on Monday, as the Vols hired an up-and-comer in the coaching ranks.

Per a release from the school, the Vols have hired 28-year-old Rod Clark, who was an assistant at Austin Peay last season:

“We had an opportunity to be very selective in making this hire, and I couldn’t be more excited about adding Rod to our staff,” Barnes said. “We weren’t the only high-major program who wanted him, but thankfully he wanted to be at Tennessee. He fits everything we prioritize in our program culture, and I know he is going to connect with our players in a special way.”

Clark has worked with guys like Gonzaga star Drew Timme, former Kentucky standout Tyrese Maxey and others during his career.

Will he rise through the ranks like English did during his time at Rocky Top? We’ll see how long his stint at Tennessee lasts. Barnes has shown a talent for developing future head coaches during his time at Tennessee.