KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Exciting Changes on the Basketball Front
This Friday afternoon, the University of Tennessee made a significant addition to its men’s basketball coaching staff that has fans buzzing with excitement. Head coach Rick Barnes officially announced the hiring of Justin Caldwell as the new player development coordinator. This move brings in a wealth of knowledge and experience, as Caldwell’s coaching career spans over a decade across various levels, including Division I, Division II, and even youth teams.
An Impressive Track Record
Most recently, Caldwell served as an assistant coach at Marshall University during the 2023-24 season. But what makes him truly stand out is his time spent as the head coach at Glenville State University, his alma mater. From 2018 to 2023, Caldwell revived a struggling program that had a dismal 8-21 record the year before he stepped in. Under his leadership, the Pioneers not only turned things around but developed into a competitive squad, finishing with a respectable 17-13 record during his last season in 2022-23.
In a remarkable season during the COVID-affected year of 2020-21, Caldwell’s squad reached as high as No. 13 in national rankings while averaging an impressive 95.5 points per game. For two consecutive seasons, the Pioneers also made headlines by averaging more than 12 made three-pointers per game, leading the nation in 2021-22. An academic achievement worth noting is that during the same period, the team set a program record with an overall GPA of 3.34.
Developing Stars
One of Caldwell’s standout achievements includes coaching several players who earned honors in the Mountain East Conference, including John Williams, who was recognized as a 2020-21 DII All-American for his stellar average of 27.8 points per game, leading the country in scoring. Caldwell has established himself as a cultivator of talent, with several of his former players advancing to Division I basketball.
From Player to Coach
Caldwell first dipped his toes into coaching back in 2012-13 as an assistant at Wyoming East High School, in his hometown of New Richmond, W.Va. His basketball journey began long before that, however. As a standout player in high school, he led the Wyoming East Warriors to a Class AA state title, and during his senior year, he was honored with a first-team all-state designation.
His college career was equally impressive, having played three seasons at West Virginia Wesleyan College, a Division II school, followed by a stint at Glenville State. During his collegiate career, Caldwell scored a staggering 1,997 points and earned accolades as a two-time All-West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference honoree. He capped off his collegiate time by averaging 23.7 points per game and shooting an incredible 91.4 percent from the free-throw line.
Personal Insights
Expressing his excitement about joining Tennessee’s program, Caldwell stated, “I am thrilled to join the University of Tennessee men’s basketball staff. It is a true privilege to work under someone like Rick Barnes, not only due to his immense success as a coach, but also because of who he is as a person.” He also emphasized his eagerness to work with such a talented team and contribute to the program’s ongoing success.
Caldwell’s personal life is just as impressive. He holds a bachelor’s degree in physical education from Glenville State and went on to earn a master’s degree in exercise science from Pennsylvania Western University California. His wife, Kim Caldwell, is the head coach of the University of Tennessee women’s basketball team. If that’s not coaching synergy, what is?
In Closing
As the basketball season approaches, fans are certainly excited about the new dynamic Caldwell brings to the Tennessee program. With his rich experience and infectious passion for developing young talent, Caldwell is geared up to make a positive impact on the Vols. Here’s to a new chapter in Tennessee basketball, filled with growth, triumphs, and plenty of three-pointers!
