The University of Tennessee gave Rick Barnes the green light to stick around as long as he wants on Thursday afternoon. Barnes and Tennessee agreed to a lifetime contract, Director of Athletics Danny White announced.
“Rick has taken our program to unprecedented heights, and we are absolutely thrilled to have him continue coaching on Rocky Top for the rest of his career,” White said. “He has constructed this program the right way, achieving elite-level success on the court while also ensuring that
all our players excel off the court.”
Barnes arrived at Tennessee after things got stale at Texas to finish the 2015 season. Many thought Barnes would be finished after that, but he took on a complete rebuild in Knoxville instead. The process took a couple of seasons, but that led to a wildly successful next decade.
Tennessee has reached two Elite Eight and four Sweet 16 appearances. Barnes holds a 232-109 (.664) record in ten years in Knoxville.
“I am incredibly thankful God brought me to the University of Tennessee 10-and-a-half years ago. It is an honor and a blessing to serve as the head basketball coach here,” Barnes said. “I have had the chance to meet so many wonderful people, both on and off campus, who have impacted my life. The Knoxville community means so much not just to me, but to my entire family.
“I am beyond grateful to Randy Boyd, Donde Plowman and Danny White for their continued belief in our program,” Barnes continued. “Tennessee basketball would not be where it is today without the consistent efforts of so many players, coaches and staff members whom I am forever indebted to. Their relentless dedication and the unrivaled support of Vol Nation are truly why we have been so successful.”
Barnes is the active Division 1 leader in wins with 836 and counting. He’s spent 38 seasons as a head coach at this level and isn’t showing signs of stopping anytime soon. Despite the core of his team running out of eligibility last spring, Barnes reassured everyone that his time to retire was not now.
He’s reloaded with a roster once again capable of contenting for an SEC title, and perhaps finally capturing that elusive spot in the Final Four.
Tennessee will open their 2025-26 season with a big-time exhibition against Duke, before getting things going for real on November 3rd against Mercer.
