Tennessee extends Barnes through 2027-28

Tennessee signed bench boss Rick Barnes to a contract extension that runs through the 2027-28 season, the school's vice chancellor and director of athletics Danny White announced Wednesday.

"Tennessee has always been great to me and my family," Barnes said in a statement. "I thank Danny and this great university for the opportunity as we gear up for the upcoming season.

"With all of the excitement surrounding campus and the city of Knoxville as a whole, I'm thrilled that we can continue being a part of that positive momentum on campus. I'm extremely blessed and don't take any of it for granted. It's an exciting time to be a Vol."

Barnes holds a 175-92 record since taking over the Volunteers' head coaching gig in 2015. The school has made five NCAA Tournament appearances and captured an SEC Tournament crown during that span.

The 69-year-old was named Naismith Coach of the Year in 2019 after leading Tennessee to a 31-6 mark and the No. 1 spot in the AP poll.

The Volunteers made their third straight trip to the Big Dance last season but were upset by Florida Atlantic in the Sweet 16.

Barnes found the most success during his 17-year stint at Texas. The North Carolina native made his lone Final Four appearance in 2003 and was named Big 12 Coach of the Year on four occasions with the Longhorns.