Rick Barnes remains the coach of the volunteers of Tennessee for the rest of his career, whereby the school announces that it signed the 71-year-old Barnes on Thursday for a lifelong contract.
“Rick has brought our program to unprecedented heights, and we are absolutely delighted to let him coach the rest of his career at Rocky Top,” said Tennesse Ad Danny White in a statement. “He has built this program in the right way and achieved the success of elite level on the field, while it is also ensured that all our players excel from the field.”
The new contract agreement from Barnes means that he will be added an extra year every April 15 to keep his deal three years before, forever, Per 247Sports’ Ben McKee.
In 2015, Tennessee rented Barnes in the aftermath of the only season of Donnie Tyndall with the program – a season that ended with him fired due to a whole series of NCAA violations at his previous job. Barnes inherited a team that came from a 16-16 campaign, including a record of 7-11 in Sec Play.
In his first two years at work, Barnes slowly built Tennessee back in a competitive basketball program. In his third season, Barnes de Vols led to a 26-9 record and a SEC regular seasonal title. Since then, De Vols have reached the NCAA tournament every year, except 2020, won another regular seasonal title and won the conference tournament.
In the past two seasons, Barnes Tennessee has coached back-to-back elite eight performances, a first in program history. Since taking over in Knoxville, Barnes has transformed the volunteers into an eternal threat on the National Theater.
“I am incredibly grateful that God brought me to the University of Tennessee 10 and a half months ago. It is an honor and a blessing to serve here as a main basketball coach,” said Barnes. “I had the chance to meet so many great people, both on and outside the campus, who have influenced my life. The Knoxville community means so much not only for me, but also for my whole family.
“I am grateful to Randy Boyd, Dede Plowman and Danny White for their constant 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 employees I owe forever. Their relentless dedication and the unparalleled support of being full of nation are really why we have been so successful.”
Looking ahead to the 2025-26 season, there is no reason to believe that Barnes will slow down at Rocky Top. While Tennessee Sterren Zakai Ziegler and Chaz Lanier lost, the team of first -year student Nate Ament, drew The number 4 General player in the signing class 2025 According to 247Sports. De Vols also added impact transfers Ja’kobi Gillespie, Jaylen Carey and Amaree Abraham.
Barnes is the active NCAA Division I coaching leader in victories (836) and went in his decade in Knoxville 232-109. Before Barnes came to Tennessee, Barnes spent 17 seasons as a coach in Texas and brought the Longhorns to 16 NCAA tournament performances. In his 38-year career of five programs, Barnes brought his team to the NCAA tournament 29 times and has consistently been one of the best coaches in college basketball.
#Rick #Barnes #signs #Lifetime #Contract #Tennessee #allowing #coach #complete #legendary #career #Knoxville