Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Rick Barnes
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.
1978: Last SEC Tournament Title
In the 2021-22 season, Tennessee won their first SEC Tournament title since the 1978-79 season.
1994: First Post-Season Conference Tournament Championship
In 1994, while at Providence, Rick Barnes won his first post-season conference tournament championship.
1996: Highest Ranking in Clemson History
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.
April 1998: Hired by Texas
In April 1998, Rick Barnes was hired by the University of Texas.
1998: Texas Coaching Position
In 1998, Rick Barnes began coaching at the University of Texas, a position he held until 2015.
1998: Departure for Texas
In 1998, Rick Barnes left Clemson University to coach at the University of Texas.
1999: Start of Consecutive NCAA Tournament Appearances
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.
2003: Final Four Appearance
In 2003, Rick Barnes guided the Texas Longhorns to the Final Four, their first in over 50 years.
2006: Elite Eight Appearance
In 2006, Rick Barnes led the Texas Longhorns to the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament.
2008: Another Elite Eight Appearance
In 2008, Rick Barnes once again guided the Texas Longhorns to the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament.
2010: First #1 Ranking
In 2010, Rick Barnes led the Texas Longhorns to their first #1 ranking.
2012: End of Consecutive NCAA Tournament Appearances
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.
2015: Hired by Tennessee Volunteers
In 2015, Rick Barnes was hired by the Tennessee Volunteers as their head coach.
2015: End of Texas Coaching Career
In 2015, Rick Barnes' tenure as the coach of the University of Texas basketball team came to an end.
2015: Firing from Texas
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.
2021: SEC Tournament Title
In the 2021-22 season, Rick Barnes led Tennessee to their first SEC Tournament title since the 1978-79 season.
