- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Hickory Today
By the People, for the People
Tennessee's Rick Barnes Commits to Coaching Next Season
Veteran coach will return for 12th year leading Vols program.
Mar. 29, 2026 at 9:50pm
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
Tennessee's basketball program continues its upward trajectory under veteran coach Rick Barnes, who has guided the Vols to new heights despite falling short of the Final Four.Hickory TodayTennessee men's basketball head coach Rick Barnes has confirmed he will return for the 2026-27 season, his 12th year leading the Volunteers. Barnes, who has guided Tennessee to its most successful era in program history, said he is '100% committed' to coaching the team next year after their season-ending loss in the Elite Eight.
Why it matters
Barnes' commitment provides stability and continuity for a Tennessee program that has reached new heights under his leadership, including three straight Elite Eight appearances. His return will be crucial as the Vols look to build on this season's surprise run to the regional finals.
The details
Following Tennessee's 95-62 loss to Michigan in the Midwest Regional final, Barnes was asked directly if he would be back as the Vols' head coach next season. 'Yeah, I am,' the veteran coach responded simply. In his 11 seasons at Tennessee, Barnes has led the program to five Sweet Sixteen appearances and three Elite Eight berths, a level of success the Vols had rarely achieved prior to his arrival.
- On March 29, 2026, Tennessee's season ended with the loss to Michigan in the Elite Eight.
- Barnes has been Tennessee's head coach for the past 11 seasons.
The players
Rick Barnes
The 68-year-old head coach of the Tennessee men's basketball team, who has led the Vols to unprecedented success in his 11 seasons at the helm, including three straight Elite Eight appearances.
Ja'Kobi Gillespie
A Tennessee senior who is graduating after this season.
Felix Okpara
A Tennessee senior who is graduating after this season.
Nate Ament
A Tennessee player who is likely to enter the NBA Draft following this season.
JP Estrella
A young core player who will be returning for Tennessee next season.
What they’re saying
“Yeah, I am.”
— Rick Barnes, Head Coach, Tennessee Men's Basketball
What’s next
Tennessee will look to build around its young core of players like JP Estrella, Bishop Boswell, Amari Evans and DeWayne Brown as the program aims to take the next step and reach the Final Four for the first time under Barnes' leadership.
The takeaway
Rick Barnes' commitment to returning as Tennessee's head coach provides stability and continuity for a program that has reached new heights under his guidance. The Vols will look to build on their recent Elite Eight appearances and make a push for the program's first Final Four berth in Barnes' 12th season at the helm.
