Rick Barnes's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Rick Barnes.

Rick Barnes is an American college basketball coach, currently leading the University of Tennessee. He is recognized for his successful tenure at the University of Texas from 1998-2015, where he guided the Longhorns to 16 NCAA Tournament appearances in 17 years, including a Final Four run in 2003. Barnes also coached at George Mason, Providence, and Clemson. He maintains a .519 winning percentage in NCAA Tournament games.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1978: SEC Tournament Title

In the 1978-79 season, Tennessee won the SEC tournament title.

1982: Dale Ellis Named All American

In the 1982-83 season, Dale Ellis was named first-team All-American.

1996: Tigers ranked second in the AP Poll

During the 1996-97 season, Barnes' Clemson Tigers achieved their highest ranking in school history, reaching second in the AP Poll for one week, showcasing the team's success under his leadership.

1999: Won Big 12 Coach of the Year

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

1999: Led Texas to NCAA Tournament

In 1999, Rick Barnes coached the Texas Longhorns to an impressive season, winning the Big 12 conference championship and qualifying for the NCAA Tournament, despite having only seven scholarship players for most of the season.

2003: Texas Reached Final Four

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

2003: Final Four Appearance with Texas

In 2003, Rick Barnes guided the University of Texas Longhorns to the Final Four of the NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament, marking their first appearance in over 50 years.

2006: Texas Reached Elite Eight

In 2006, Barnes guided Texas to the Elite Eight of the NCAA tournament.

2007: Kevin Durant Named National Player of the Year

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

2008: Texas Reached Elite Eight and Barnes Won Big 12 Coach of the Year

In 2008, Barnes led Texas to the Elite Eight and also won the Big 12 Coach of the Year award.

2010: Texas Achieved First #1 Ranking

In 2010, Barnes led the Texas Longhorns to their first #1 ranking, a significant achievement in the program's history.

2012: 14 Straight NCAA Tournament Appearances

From 1999 to 2012, Rick Barnes led the Texas Longhorns to 14 straight NCAA tournament appearances, showcasing a period of sustained success and establishing the program as a national contender.

2014: Won Big 12 Coach of the Year

In 2014, Barnes was awarded the Big 12 Coach of the Year for his performance with Texas.

2018: Named Southeastern Conference Coach of the Year

In 2018, Barnes was named Southeastern Conference Coach of the Year, securing his sixth career conference coach of the year award after guiding the Volunteers to a share of the regular-season SEC title and a spot in the conference championship game.

2018: Naismith College Coach of the Year

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

2021: Led Tennessee to First SEC Tournament Title

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

2023: Earned 800th Career Win

In the 2023-24 season, Barnes achieved his 800th career win as a head coach in a victory over Texas A&M, marking another significant milestone. The Volunteers also won the SEC regular season outright for the sixth time in school history.