Tennessee head coach Rick Barnes is set to stay with the program after declining an offer from UCLA.
Things started to heat up between the two parties on Sunday night when Barnes surprisingly emerged as the frontrunner to become the Bruins’ new coach.
But it appears that athletic director Phillip Fulmer and the Tennessee administration were able to counter UCLA’s offer with one that included more money, and that may have played a big role in Barnes choosing to stay with the Vols.
Source: Rick Barnes is staying at Tennessee and will not take the head coaching vacancy at UCLA. Deal is worth substantially more money with the Vols.
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) April 9, 2019
Fulmer issued a statement to confirm that Barnes would indeed be returning to the program.
Tennessee athletic director Phillip Fulmer released a statement on Rick Barnes' decision to stay in Knoxville. pic.twitter.com/KyIGaFg4nU
— David Ubben (@davidubben) April 9, 2019
Barnes quickly became the top target for the job after the Bruins failed to secure a deal with TCU head coach Jamie Dixon due to issues with his buyout.
UCLA reportedly also inquired about Kentucky’s John Calipari, who didn’t have interest in moving from Lexington.
Cincinnati coach Mick Cronin could be the next target on UCLA’s list after previously being mentioned as one of the top candidates for the position.
Tennessee went 31-6 overall this season and advanced to the Sweet 16 before losing to Purdue.
Barnes is now 88-50 in his four seasons at the school and should have the Vols in NCAA Tournament contention again next season.
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