Rick Barnes introduced two Tennessee basketball assistant coaches to media on April 23.
The Vols were expected to hold a press conference for former Boston College coach Earl Grant. But Barnes walked up in front of the cameras with Willie Robertson from the reality television show "Duck Dynasty" and CEO of Duck Commander.
"Big announcement," Barnes said. "I've got a new assistant coach. Breaking news. Put it out there."
Robertson, who was a keynote speaker for "The Knoxville Summit" at Neyland Stadium, joined in on the fun with a serious demeanor.
"Willie Robertson," he said. "Coach called me and just wanted me to come up here and see how the program is doing. It's a marathon, not a sprint, so I'm thinking we've got some good stuff in the hopper coming on. It's going to be an exciting year."
Mar 22, 2026; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Tennessee Volunteers forward Nate Ament (10) reacts against the Virginia Cavaliers in the second half during a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn ImagesTennessee forward DeWayne Brown II (6) moves towards the basket while guarded by Texas forward Camden Heide (5) in an NCAA college basketball game on January 6, 2026, in Knoxville, Tenn.Tennessee guard Troy Henderson (24) dribbles past Kentucky guard Denzel Aberdeen (1) during a NCAA basketball game between the Tennessee Volunteers and Kentucky Wildcats at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center in Knoxville, Tenn., on Jan. 17, 2026.Feb 7, 2026; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish forward Jalen Haralson (10) drives to the basket as Florida State Seminoles guard Lajae Jones (10) defends during the first half at Purcell Pavilion at the Joyce Center. Mandatory Credit: Michael Caterina-Imagn ImagesJan 2, 2026; Berkeley, California, USA; California Golden Bears guard Dai Dai Ames (7) looks to drive around Notre Dame Fighting Irish guard Braeden Shrewsberry (11) during the second half at Haas Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: D. Ross Cameron-Imagn ImagesBelmont's Tyler Lundblade, right, lines up one of his three-pointers against Bradley in the second half of their MVC basketball game Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025 at Carver Arena. Lundblade dropped eight three-pointers and the Braves fell to the Bruins 80-77.Mar 15, 2025; Washington, D.C., USA; Loyola Chicago Ramblers center Miles Rubin (24) shoots the ball as VCU Rams forward Luke Bamgboye (9) defends in the first half in a semifinal of the Atlantic 10 Conference Tournament at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn ImagesIMG's Ralph Scott blocks a dunk attempt at IMG Academy on Feb. 7, 2025.1 / 8Tennessee basketball 2026-27 roster for Rick Barnes with transfer portal additionsMar 22, 2026; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Tennessee Volunteers forward Nate Ament (10) reacts against the Virginia Cavaliers in the second half during a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images1 / 8Tennessee basketball 2026-27 roster for Rick Barnes with transfer portal additionsMar 22, 2026; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Tennessee Volunteers forward Nate Ament (10) reacts against the Virginia Cavaliers in the second half during a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images2 / 8Tennessee basketball 2026-27 roster for Rick Barnes with transfer portal additionsTennessee forward DeWayne Brown II (6) moves towards the basket while guarded by Texas forward Camden Heide (5) in an NCAA college basketball game on January 6, 2026, in Knoxville, Tenn.3 / 8Tennessee basketball 2026-27 roster for Rick Barnes with transfer portal additionsTennessee guard Troy Henderson (24) dribbles past Kentucky guard Denzel Aberdeen (1) during a NCAA basketball game between the Tennessee Volunteers and Kentucky Wildcats at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center in Knoxville, Tenn., on Jan. 17, 2026.4 / 8Tennessee basketball 2026-27 roster for Rick Barnes with transfer portal additionsFeb 7, 2026; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish forward Jalen Haralson (10) drives to the basket as Florida State Seminoles guard Lajae Jones (10) defends during the first half at Purcell Pavilion at the Joyce Center. Mandatory Credit: Michael Caterina-Imagn Images5 / 8Tennessee basketball 2026-27 roster for Rick Barnes with transfer portal additionsJan 2, 2026; Berkeley, California, USA; California Golden Bears guard Dai Dai Ames (7) looks to drive around Notre Dame Fighting Irish guard Braeden Shrewsberry (11) during the second half at Haas Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: D. Ross Cameron-Imagn Images6 / 8Tennessee basketball 2026-27 roster for Rick Barnes with transfer portal additionsBelmont's Tyler Lundblade, right, lines up one of his three-pointers against Bradley in the second half of their MVC basketball game Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025 at Carver Arena. Lundblade dropped eight three-pointers and the Braves fell to the Bruins 80-77.7 / 8Tennessee basketball 2026-27 roster for Rick Barnes with transfer portal additionsMar 15, 2025; Washington, D.C., USA; Loyola Chicago Ramblers center Miles Rubin (24) shoots the ball as VCU Rams forward Luke Bamgboye (9) defends in the first half in a semifinal of the Atlantic 10 Conference Tournament at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images8 / 8Tennessee basketball 2026-27 roster for Rick Barnes with transfer portal additionsIMG's Ralph Scott blocks a dunk attempt at IMG Academy on Feb. 7, 2025.From 2012-17, Robertson starred on the popular TV show that focused on his family's duck hunting business.
"We felt like we needed to improve our shooting, and we found out he's an expert," Barnes joked.
Barnes then opened the floor to questions from the media. After a few silent seconds, Robertson spoke up.
"This is how I love the media to be: completely silent," he said.
Barnes added: "(Silent) in person, but not behind your back."
Wynton Jackson covers high school sports for Knox News. Email: wynton.jackson@knoxnews.com
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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Why Duck Dynasty's Willie Robertson was with Tennessee coach Rick Barnes