University of Tennessee Athletics Secures Barnes with Exciting New Lifetime Contract!

University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has just secured a remarkable future in men’s basketball. Athletic Director Danny White announced that head coach Rick Barnes signed a lifetime contract, marking a significant moment for the program.

Barnes has transformed Tennessee basketball over his ten years at the helm, boasting an impressive 232 wins and a .664 winning percentage. He has led the team to numerous achievements, including six seasons with at least 25 wins and four appearances in the Sweet 16. Notably, he has steered the team to three SEC championships and two Elite Eight berths.

White expressed deep gratitude, saying, “Rick has taken our program to unprecedented heights.” He emphasized how Barnes not only cultivates athletic success but also ensures his players thrive academically.

In his 38-year coaching career, Barnes has amassed 836 wins, making him the active leader in Division I. His accolades include being recognized as a six-time conference coach of the year. In 2019, he received both the Naismith and USBWA Coach of the Year awards, highlighting his influence on the game.

Tennessee has been a consistent presence in college basketball, qualifying for the NCAA Tournament for seven consecutive years. This achievement ties them for the fourth-longest active streak in the nation. They’ve reached the Sweet 16 in three of those years and made back-to-back appearances in the Elite Eight.

Recent data underscores Barnes’ success. Since 2017, Tennessee has secured 201 wins, ranking seventh among all Division I teams, with an impressive 98 victories in conference play. The Volunteers also lead the SEC with 109 wins over the past four years and have maintained a spot in the Associated Press Top 25 throughout this period, achieving 80 consecutive rankings.

Barnes expressed his gratitude, saying, “It is an honor to serve as the head basketball coach here.” His commitment to the community is evident, as he acknowledges the impact Knoxville has had on his family and career.

The last two seasons have been particularly successful. Tennessee finished with a .770 winning percentage overall and reached the Elite Eight in both years. In 2022-2023, they claimed the SEC title, marking a historic achievement.

In addition to on-court success, Barnes has fostered a strong academic culture. Over the past eight years, Tennessee has achieved a perfect 1,000 single-year APR score in seven of those years. This focus on academics has also led to all players making the SEC Winter Honor Roll in 2024-2025.

The Volunteers are set to open the 2025-26 season with a sold-out exhibition game against Duke on October 26. They will begin their regular season at home against Mercer on November 3.

As Barnes continues to build the program, Tennessee basketball remains a force both on and off the court, driven by a commitment to excellence and a vibrant community support. For more updates, follow @Vol_Hoops on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter).

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