History of Rick Barnes in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: November 27, 2025

Rick Barnes is an American college basketball coach, currently the head coach at the University of Tennessee. He's renowned for his tenure at the University of Texas (1998-2015) where he led the team to 16 NCAA Tournament appearances in 17 seasons, including 14 consecutive years and a Final Four appearance in 2003. Prior to Texas, Barnes coached at George Mason, Providence, and Clemson. His NCAA Tournament record stands at 28-26.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

July 17, 1954: Richard Barnes Born

On July 17, 1954, Richard Barnes was born. He would later become a college basketball coach.

1977: Graduation from Lenoir-Rhyne College

In 1977, Richard Barnes graduated from Lenoir-Rhyne College, where he was a member of the men's basketball team.

1982: Dale Ellis, All-American season

During the 1982-83 season Dale Ellis was the first player for the Tennessee Volunteers to be named a first-team All American.

1994: First Post-Season Conference Tournament Championship

In 1994, while coaching at Providence, Rick Barnes won his first post-season conference tournament championship.

1996: Clemson Ranked Second in AP Poll

During the 1996-97 season, Rick Barnes' Clemson Tigers reached the second position in the AP Poll for one week, marking the highest ranking in the school's history.

April 1998: Hired by Texas

In April 1998, Rick Barnes was hired by the University of Texas. The team displayed improvement almost immediately.

1998: Leaves Clemson for Texas

In 1998, Rick Barnes departed from Clemson to coach at the University of Texas.

1998: Barnes begins coaching at University of Texas

In 1998, Rick Barnes started coaching at the University of Texas. He coached there until 2015, and in 16 of his 17 seasons, his team went to the NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament.

1999: Big 12 Coach of the Year Award

In 1999, Rick Barnes won his first Big 12 Coach of the Year award while at Texas.

2003: Final Four Appearance

In 2003, Rick Barnes guided the Texas Longhorns to the Final Four, marking their first appearance in over 50 years.

2006: Elite Eight Appearance

In 2006, Rick Barnes led the Texas Longhorns to the Elite Eight in the NCAA Tournament.

2007: Kevin Durant named National Player of the Year

In 2007, Kevin Durant, coached by Rick Barnes at Texas, was named National Player of the Year.

2007: Cameo in Friday Night Lights

In 2007, Rick Barnes made a cameo appearance in the NBC television series "Friday Night Lights" as a recruiter for the fictional school TMU.

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2008: Another Elite Eight Appearance, Big 12 Coach of the Year

In 2008, Rick Barnes guided Texas to another Elite Eight appearance and won a Big 12 Coach of the Year award.

2010: Texas achieves #1 Ranking

In 2010, Rick Barnes led the Texas Longhorns to their first #1 ranking.

2014: Fourth Big 12 Coach of the Year Award

In 2014, Rick Barnes won his fourth Big 12 Coach of the Year award during his time in Austin.

2015: Leaves Texas, Hired by Tennessee

In 2015, Rick Barnes was fired from the University of Texas. In the same year, he was hired by the Tennessee Volunteers as their head coach.

2015: Hired by Tennessee

In 2015, Rick Barnes was hired by the Tennessee Volunteers, becoming their third coach in as many seasons.

2018: SEC Coach of the Year

In 2018, Rick Barnes was named Southeastern Conference Coach of the Year, after leading the Volunteers to a share of their first regular-season SEC title in a decade and a spot in the conference championship game.

2018: Naismith College Coach of the Year

In 2018, Rick Barnes was named the Naismith College Coach of the Year after leading the Volunteers to a 31-6 record and reaching the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament.

2019: 700th career win

In 2019, Rick Barnes won his 700th game as a head coach with a victory over Jacksonville State.

2021: First SEC Tournament Title since 1979

In the 2021-22 season, Rick Barnes led Tennessee to their first SEC Tournament title since the 1978-79 season.

2023: 800th Career Win and SEC Regular Season Title

In 2023, Rick Barnes secured his 800th career win as a head coach with a victory over Texas A&M, and the Volunteers won the SEC regular season outright for the sixth time in school history.