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Tennessee basketball coach Rick Barnes announced on Tuesday afternoon that he had extended his contract by one year earlier in the month. Barnes has now inked a one-year contract extension for the third consecutive year, keeping him under contract until the 2027–2028 campaign.
Barnes released a statement saying, “Tennessee has always been great to me and my family.” As we prepare for the forthcoming season, I want to thank Danny and this wonderful university for the chance.
I’m delighted that we can continue to contribute to the positive energy on campus given the excitement that surrounds both the university and the city of Knoxville overall. I consider myself very fortunate and don’t take anything for granted. Being a Vol is exciting right now.
Other than adding a year to the agreement, Barnes’ contract is not significantly altered by the extension. The compensation that Barnes received in the April 2022 extension is still the same. The seasoned coach’s 2026–2027 salary ($6 million) will be the same as his 2027–2028 salary.
Barnes’ salary for this year is still $5.7 million, with increases guaranteed for the duration of the contract. With five years left on his deal, the ninth-year Tennessee basketball coach will earn a total of $29.4 million ($5.88 million annually).
Under Danny White, the director of athletics for Tennessee, one-year contract renewals have been typical. Similar extensions have been granted to baseball coach Tony Vitello and women’s basketball coach Kellie Harper by the third-year athletic director.
In a statement, White said, “We are delighted to be able to extend Rick and continue to build on the fantastic men’s basketball program he has developed here on Rocky Top.” “He has instilled a wonderful culture on our team, and our players have done an excellent job representing Tennessee in the classroom and on the court.
Under Rick’s direction, our fans have stepped up to help create an electrifying atmosphere on gamedays, and I can’t wait to watch the Vols pursue their title run.
Tennessee has had two successful seasons under Barnes’ direction. The Vols advanced to the Sweet 16 in the previous season and won the 2022 SEC Tournament—their first since 1979. Tennessee has one SEC regular season and tournament title, five NCAA Tournament trips, and two Sweet 16 appearances in Barnes’ eight years in Knoxville.
With most commentators ranking the Tennessee Vols as a preseason top 10 team, expectations are high for Barnes’ eighth Tennessee team.
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