Rick Barnes led Tennessee to the SEC Tournament championship earlier this month, and on Thursday, Athletics Director Danny White announced a contract extension for the men’s basketball coach.

Barnes’ contract now runs through the 2026-27 season after he led the Vols to 4 straight NCAA Tournament appearances and that SEC Tournament title was just the fifth in program history, and the first since 1979.

Barnes led the Vols to impressive feats, including that the Vols (27-8) spent the entire season ranked in the AP Top 25, as they were ranked No. 5 in the postseason poll. Tennessee also never lost back-to-back games this past season, which is the second season that’s happened under Barnes.

In program history, Tennessee has six seasons of 26 or more wins, and Barnes has been the Vols’ head coach for three of those six campaigns (2017-18, 2018-19, 2021-22).

“Rick has built an incredible culture within our men’s basketball program that has spread throughout Vol Nation,” White said. “I’ve had a blast watching the best fanbase in the country embrace this team and create the most electric environment in college basketball. Coach Barnes’ leadership is steady, and his players exude high character. They take pride in representing our university and the state of Tennessee with class and an unrivaled competitive drive.

“Having played and coached the game, basketball has a special place in my heart. To that end, I can’t overstate how fortunate we are to have Rick Barnes leading our program. I am unbelievably excited about our bright future as we chase future championships on the hardwood.”