Rick Barnes turns down UCLA, stays at Tennessee

Rick Barnes has made his decision.

ESPN’s Chris Low was the first to report that Barnes has turned down UCLA’s offer and will remain at Tennessee. That’s obviously huge news for Tennessee after a program record 31 wins.

Tennessee AD Phillip Fulmer later released a statement confirming Low’s report.

UCLA reportedly offered Barnes $5 million per season, and when compared to Tennessee’s $3.25 million, it appeared that he may leave for the Bruins’ job. However, Tennessee went back to Barnes to sweeten the pot, and that was enough to keep him in Knoxville.

Sources tell me that @RickBarnesUT has decided to remain as @Vol_Hoops’ head coach after UCLA came after him with a lucrative offer that would have paid him $5 million per year. Barnes finalized his decision to stay at Tennessee on Monday after the Vols countered with a new deal.

— Chris Low (@ClowESPN) April 9, 2019

Barnes emerged as a serious candidate for UCLA Sunday evening after the Bruins missed on a few of its head coaching targets. Tennessee’s head coach was named the Naismith Trophy Coach of the Year Sunday.

Barnes has coached at Tennessee for the last four seasons compiling a 88-50 overall record, with the 2019 season his best thus far. The Vols finished 31-6 and lost to Purdue in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament.