Rick Barnes Has Just Received A Lifetime Contract Extension

Image: Tennessee Athletics

By Cody McClure

Danny White announced some big news about Tennessee’s basketball coach on The Mike Keith Show this afternoon.

Rick Barnes will receive a lifetime contract extension.

"Rick has taken our program to unprecedented heights, and we are absolutely thrilled to have him continue coaching on Rocky Top for the rest of his career," White said. "He has constructed this program the right way, achieving elite-level success on the court while also ensuring that all our players excel off the court."

Barnes is the active Division I wins leader with 836 victories accross his 38 illustrious seasons as a head coach, per a UT release.

He is 232-109 at Tennessee across 10 seasons.

"I am incredibly thankful God brought me to the University of Tennessee 10-and-a-half years ago. It is an honor and a blessing to serve as the head basketball coach here," Barnes said in the release. "I have had the chance to meet so many wonderful people, both on and off campus, who have impacted my life. The Knoxville community means so much not just to me, but to my entire family.

"I am beyond grateful to Randy Boyd, Donde Plowman and Danny White for their continued belief in our program," Barnes continued. "Tennessee basketball would not be where it is today without the consistent efforts of so many players, coaches and staff members whom I am forever indebted to. Their relentless dedication and the unrivaled support of Vol Nation are truly why we have been so successful."