History of Rick Barnes in Timeline

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.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

July 17, 1954: Richard Barnes' Birth

On July 17, 1954, Richard Barnes, the future college basketball coach, was born.

1977: Graduation from Lenoir-Rhyne College

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

1978: Last SEC Tournament Title

In the 2021-22 season, Tennessee won their first SEC Tournament title since the 1978-79 season.

1982: Last First-Team All-American

In the 2018-19 season, Dale Ellis was Tennessee's first player to be named a first-team All American since 1982.

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.

1999: Big 12 Coach of the Year

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

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.

2007: Kevin Durant Player of the Year

In 2007, Kevin Durant, coached by Rick Barnes, was named national player of the year.

2007: Cameo Appearance 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.

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.

2014: Fourth Big 12 Coach of the Year Award

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

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.

2018: Southeastern Conference 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.