Tom Crean turned to a familiar face in his search to fill a staff vacancy.
The Georgia basketball coach confirmed Tuesday that he has hired Steve McClain as an assistant coach. The two coached together when Crean was head coach at Indiana and led the Hoosiers to two Sweet 16 appearances and a Big Ten championship.
McClain replaces Joe Scott, who left UGA last month to become head coach at Air Force. He was coach at Illinois-Chicago for four seasons until he was dismissed March 13.
“He’s excellent. Tremendous coach and leader,” Crean said via text message Tuesday. “High, high intensity and energy.”
McClain, 57, was 76-93 in five seasons at Illinois-Chicago, which includes going 5-25 in an initial rebuilding season. The Flames were one victory away from earning their first NCAA bid in 20 years this past season.
McClain has also had head coaching stints at Wyoming (1999-2007) and Hutchinson Community College (1991-94). He’s known for his energetic and demonstrative coaching style, which is reminiscent of the always pacing and moving Crean.
“He makes me look like I’m ready for a nap,” Crean said.
