From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Rick Barnes made an impact.
Rick Barnes is a prominent American college basketball coach, currently leading the University of Tennessee. He's celebrated for his successful tenure at the University of Texas (1998-2015), where he consistently led the team to the NCAA Tournament (16 out of 17 seasons), including 14 consecutive appearances and a Final Four berth in 2003. Prior to Texas, Barnes held head coaching positions at George Mason, Providence, and Clemson. His NCAA Tournament record stands at 28-26, solidifying his reputation as a highly accomplished coach in collegiate basketball.
In the 2021-22 season, Tennessee won their first SEC Tournament title since the 1978-79 season.
In 1994, while at Providence, Rick Barnes won his first post-season conference tournament championship.
During the 1996-97 season, Rick Barnes' Clemson Tigers spent one week ranked second in the AP Poll, marking the highest ranking in school history.
In 1998, Rick Barnes began coaching at the University of Texas, a position he held until 2015.
In 1998, Rick Barnes left Clemson University to coach at the University of Texas.
In 1999, Rick Barnes began a streak of 14 consecutive NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament appearances with the University of Texas, which lasted until 2012.
In 2003, Rick Barnes guided the Texas Longhorns to the Final Four, their first in over 50 years.
In 2006, Rick Barnes led the Texas Longhorns to the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament.
In 2008, Rick Barnes once again guided the Texas Longhorns to the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament.
In 2012, Rick Barnes' streak of 14 consecutive NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament appearances with the University of Texas came to an end.
In 2015, Rick Barnes was hired by the Tennessee Volunteers as their head coach.
In 2015, Rick Barnes' tenure as the coach of the University of Texas basketball team came to an end.
In 2015, after failing to advance to the Sweet 16 for the seventh straight season, Rick Barnes was fired from his position at the University of Texas.
In the 2021-22 season, Rick Barnes led Tennessee to their first SEC Tournament title since the 1978-79 season.