By CHARLIE PARENT
Tennessee’s headman, Rick Barnes, has been extended through the 2026-2027 season, the school announced Thursday.
Barnes led the Vols’ to a 27-8 record this season and won the SEC tournament. But Tennessee was upset by Michigan in the Round of 32 last weekend.
Still, Barnes’ success has been rewarded. In his seven years at Tennesee, Barnes has gone 150-81 with four NCAA Tournament appearances.
“Rick has built an incredible culture within our men’s basketball program that has spread throughout Vol Nation,” athletic director Danny White said. “I’ve had a blast watching the best fanbase in the country embrace this team and create the most electric environment in college basketball.
White continued, “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.”
The Vols’ are expected to lose a lot of talent next year, but Barnes has already secured three-star center Handje Tamba and four-star guard B.J. Edwards to the 2022 recruiting class.
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