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.
On July 17, 1954, Richard Barnes, the future college basketball coach, was born.
In 1977, Rick Barnes graduated from Lenoir-Rhyne College, where he was a member of the men's basketball team.
In the 2021-22 season, Tennessee won their first SEC Tournament title since the 1978-79 season.
In the 2018-19 season, Dale Ellis was Tennessee's first player to be named a first-team All American since 1982.
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 1999, Rick Barnes won his first Big 12 Coach of the Year award.
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 2007, Kevin Durant, coached by Rick Barnes, was named national player of the year.
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 2014, Rick Barnes won his fourth Big 12 Coach of the Year award.
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 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.
In 2018, Rick Barnes was named the Naismith College Coach of the Year.
In the 2019-20 season, Rick Barnes won his 700th game as a head coach.
In the 2021-22 season, Rick Barnes led Tennessee to their first SEC Tournament title since the 1978-79 season.
In the 2023-24 season, Rick Barnes earned his 800th career win as a head coach.