For the third time in two months, Adia Barnes is searching for a new assistant coach.
April Phillips has accepted a similar position at Texas, the Longhorns announced Wednesday morning. Phillips spent a little less than two months in Tucson during her second stint with the Wildcats. She previously coached under Barnes, helping the Wildcats win the 2019 WNIT championship.
Phillips replaces Johnnie Harris, who was named Auburnโs head coach two months ago. Harris earned a base salary of $300,000 per year as Texasโ lead assistant, according to the Austin American-Statesman; it is not immediately clear what Phillips will make. She joins a new-look Texas staff that includes Calamity McEntire, who was a Niya Butts-era assistant at the UA.
โTexas is a very special place that combines academic and athletic excellence, but we know that itโs the people that matter most,โ Phillips said in a news release. โI am humbled by the guidance of the most high to put me in a position to work alongside Coach (Vic) Schaefer, whom I respect immensely, and his outstanding staff. My spirit is happy. Iโm excited and determined to be relentless in our efforts together to create a life-changing, transformational experience for our young student-athletes both on and off the court. I canโt wait to meet our team and get to work.โ
Said Schaefer: โIโm really excited about April Phillips coming to the โForty Acres.โ Her experience both as a collegiate player and professional as well as an assistant coach really sets her apart. I genuinely believe she will make a tremendous impact on our program. April will be fantastic with our student-athletes, and they will love her energy and passion for the game.โ
Phillips and USCโs Erin Grant were hired April 21 by Barnes, who lost two of her three assistants to other jobs โ and significant raises โ following the Wildcatsโ run to their first Final Four and an appearance in the national championship game. At the time, Phillips said she was excited to work under Barnes again, recruit to a program that had reached the Final four โ and see her mother, who still lived in Phillipsโ old house in Tucson.
Phillips said โthe comfort level is important. I feel like I know where Iโm at.โ
Now, the Wildcats must replace her โ and fast. The UA posted a job opening for the vacant position on Tuesday, with a target fill date of Monday, June 21 โ six days later.
Barnes is in Puerto Rico, where she is assisting Team USA as part of the 2021 FIBA Womenโs AmeriCup tournament. The Americans are 3-0 heading into Thursdayโs knockout stage game against the U.S. Virgin Islands.
