Roy Williams welcomed at Tennessee
No. 4 Tennessee (18-4, 5-4 SEC) is hosting No. 16 Missouri (17-4, 6-2 SEC) on Wednesday at Food City Center. Rankings reflect the USA TODAY Sports Men’s Basketball Coaches Poll.
Ahead of Wednesday’s SEC top 25 men’s basketball matchup, University of Tennessee, Knoxville chancellor Donde Plowman greeted former North Carolina and Kansas head coach Roy Williams at Food City Center.
“Thrilled to welcome Roy Williams to Rocky Top to cheer on Vol hoops,” Plowman announced. “Go Vols!”
Williams compiled a 903–264 head coaching record from 1988-2021 at Kansas and North Carolina. He won three national championships with the Tar Heels in 2005, 2009 and 2017.
Williams also made nine NCAA Tournament Final Four appearances (1991, 1993, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2008, 2009, 2016, 2017), while winning nine ACC and four Big 12 regular-season championships. He won three ACC and Big 12 Tournament titles during his head coaching career.
On February 5, 2025, legendary basketball coach Roy Williams was warmly welcomed at the University of Tennessee. Williams, renowned for his illustrious coaching career at the University of North Carolina (UNC) and the University of Kansas, was in attendance at a Tennessee Volunteers basketball game, where his presence was met with enthusiasm from fans and players alike.
Williams’ visit to Knoxville was highlighted by a post from Vol Report on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “Legendary UNC coach Roy Williams is in the house tonight for the Tennessee basketball game.”
Throughout his coaching tenure, Williams achieved remarkable success. At Kansas, he led the Jayhawks to four Final Four appearances and two national championship games. Upon returning to his alma mater, UNC, he secured three national championships in 2005, 2009, and 2017. His coaching philosophy, emphasizing a fast-paced offense and staunch man-to-man defense, has left an indelible mark on college basketball.
Williams’ connection to Tennessee isn’t entirely new. In December 2017, as head coach of UNC, he led the Tar Heels to a victory over the Volunteers in Knoxville. Reflecting on the matchup prior to the game, Williams acknowledged the challenge, stating, “They’re gonna hit us right between the eyes.”
His recent appearance at the Tennessee game underscores the deep respect and admiration the basketball community holds for him. Fans and players were thrilled to see the Hall of Fame coach in attendance, celebrating his contributions to the sport.
Williams’ legacy is further cemented by his induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2007, a testament to his significant impact on the game.
In summary, Roy Williams’ visit to the University of Tennessee was a momentous occasion, celebrating a coach whose influence on college basketball remains profound.
