Tennessee, Rick Barnes agree to contract extension following SEC championship

Rick Barnes is locked in at Tennessee. The Volunteers announced he agreed to a contract extension after leading them to an SEC Championship.

Barnes’ contract now runs through the 2026-27 season, according to a press release from Tennessee. The decision comes after the Volunteers finished 27-8 overall and 14-4 in SEC action before winning the league tournament earlier this month. In fact, it’s the fifth league tournament title in program history.

“Rick has built an incredible culture within our men’s basketball program that has spread throughout Vol Nation,” Tennessee athletic director Danny White White said in a statement. “I’ve had a blast watching the best fanbase in the country embrace this team and create the most electric environment in college basketball. Coach Barnes’ leadership is steady, and his players exude high character. They take pride in representing our university and the state of Tennessee with class and an unrivaled competitive drive.

“Having played and coached the game, basketball has a special place in my heart. To that end, I can’t overstate how fortunate we are to have Rick Barnes leading our program. I am unbelievably excited about our bright future as we chase future championships on the hardwood.”

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Barnes has been at Tennessee since 2015 and has led the Volunteers to a 150-81 record during that span, including a 75-50 mark in league play. He also took the Volunteers to the last four NCAA Tournaments. Prior to his arrival in Knoxville, he worked at Texas from 1998-2015 and had a 402-180 record with the Longhorns.

Tennessee has also won at least 26 games three times during Barnes’ tenure — meaning he has half of the program’s 26-win seasons. He’ll have a chance to do it a few more times now that he has an extension.

“After meeting with our players this week, I’m energized and eager to get back in the gym preparing for next season,” Barnes said in a statement. “Our family is blessed to be a part of the University of Tennessee family, and we appreciate the alignment of our administration. There are so many wonderful things happening on campus and throughout the community that we’re excited to support and participate in. It’s a great time to be a Tennessee Volunteer.”

Tennessee was a No. 3 seed in the NCAA Tournament this year. The Volunteers defeated No. 14 seed Longwood in the first round before falling to No. 11 seed Michigan in the second round last weekend.