The list of candidates for the vacant assistant-coaching position on the Tennessee men's basketball staff stands at five, according to a source close to the program.

The coaches in the running are Kent State assistant coach Josh Oppenheimer, former Texas-San Antonio coach Tim Carter, former Iowa State assistant Damon Archibald, former Ole Miss coach Rod Barnes and ABA coach/general manager Bob Sundvold.

UT coach Bruce Pearl said Tuesday he has spoken with candidates while on the road recruiting and confirmed he met with Barnes while at an AAU basketball tournament in Houston over the weekend.

"I've done some research and had meetings, talking to a number of candidates while out here recruiting,'' Pearl said. "I've probably looked at 20 and considered 10.

"I'll look to do some more formal things next week as far as making it my focus.''

Pearl must replace Scott Edgar, who was named coach at Southeast Missouri State two weeks ago.

"We've signed our full class for this year, so the hire is not something I need to rush into,'' Pearl said.