As the Tennessee Volunteers prepared to face the UCLA Bruins in the NCAA Tournament, head coach Rick Barnes addressed the media, making remarks that shed light on his current mindset regarding retirement. Despite turning 71 later this year and ongoing retirement speculations, Barnes’ comments suggest he remains committed to his coaching career.
In a press conference preceding the matchup, Barnes expressed a desire to arrange a home-and-home series with UCLA, stating, “I’d like to do a home and home with UCLA because of the respect that I have for that program and Mick [Cronin].” He further elaborated, “I think our fans would be excited about them certainly coming to Knoxville and hopefully they would be excited about us coming to Pauley [Pavilion].”
These remarks indicate Barnes’ forward-looking perspective, as organizing such future events implies his intention to remain actively involved with the team. Additionally, his reflections on past interactions with UCLA highlight his enduring passion for the sport and coaching. Barnes recalled his near move to UCLA in 2019, mentioning his admiration for the program and legendary coach John Wooden. He shared experiences of visiting Wooden’s home and discussing basketball, underscoring his deep-rooted connection to the game.
While Barnes acknowledges the inevitable discussions about retirement due to his age, his current focus appears to be on the future of Tennessee basketball. His proactive approach to scheduling and reflections on past coaching decisions suggest that stepping away from the sport is not imminent. As he continues to lead the Volunteers, Barnes’ dedication and enthusiasm remain evident, indicating that retirement may not be on his immediate hor
izon.
