University of Tennessee Athletics
What They're Saying About Rick Barnes
March 31, 2015 | Men's Basketball
Some of the biggest names in college basketball have high praise for new Tennessee basketball coach Rick Barnes. Check out what they said about his hiring right here.
 Jay Bilas
|  |
"This is great news for Tennessee and great news for Rick. I have known Rick for a longtime and count him among my friends, I think he is one of the elite coaches in the game. There is not a better person in the game. He is a man of great character, both his athletic character and his overall character are championship level. I am thrilled for Tennessee with this hire.
"Hiring Rick brings immediate credibility and immediate stability. Rick has always been a rock in his level of his competitiveness, but at the same time being a players-first coach. He's built programs everywhere he's been. He's an amazing guy."
- Jay Bilas, ESPN
 John Calipari
| |
"If you want to change a culture and start winning, you hire Rick Barnes. Rick has been successful everywhere he's been, and he's done it in a way that brings pride to his university. I'm very happy for our league, and Tennessee has made a great hire."
-John Calipari, University of Kentucky Head Coach
 DeLoss Dodds
| |
"Rick Barnes is as good as they get, and he truly loves the sport of basketball. He does a great job on the academic side and with the kids. Rick's tenacious and not afraid of anything, and I love him like a brother. He has been so good for the University of Texas and for so many kids.
"Rick took our program at Texas to a new level, and built a great fan base for basketball. He does everything the right way. People in Knoxville and in Tennessee will absolutely love Rick, and he will serve the University of Tennessee very well."
- DeLoss Dodds, former Director of Athletics, University of Texas
 Bill Self
| |
"I have thoroughly enjoyed competing against Rick Barnes and his Texas teams since being in the Big 12. He and his program have certainly elevated our program through the competition. Rick can really coach and gets his players to play hard. Above all, he's a class person and does things the right way. The Volunteer faithful should be excited about this move, as some fun years are ahead."
- Bill Self, University of Kansas, Head Coach
 Dick Vitale
| |
"Rick Barnes is a slam dunk hire for Tennessee. A great move by athletic director Dave Hart Jr. The Vols are very fortunate to get an experienced winner like Barnes."
- Dick Vitale, ESPN
