University of Tennessee Athletics
“It’s Not About Me” to Premiere July 30
July 23, 2026 | Men's Basketball
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee Athletics and The Media Center are excited to announce the release of a special project by Land Grant Films and the UT School of Journalism and Media that details the life and career of Tennessee head men's basketball coach Rick Barnes.
"It's Not About Me" chronicles Barnes' ascent from his childhood in Hickory, N.C., up to his present status at the helm of the Volunteers. The piece features content on his journey as both a person and a basketball coach.
Produced by 11 University of Tennessee students, under the direction of professor Isaac Fowler, work on the documentary began in August 2025. The team conducted interviews with upwards of 20 subjects, from family members to former players and colleagues. It is the first public video to feature interviews with Barnes, his wife (Candy) and both his children (Nick and Carley).
Interviews took place in four cities across three states (North Carolina, Tennessee and Texas). Over 50 hours of archival footage and interviews were utilized to produce the story.
"It's Not About Me" will premiere July 30 at 7:30 p.m. on the official Tennessee Athletics YouTube channel.
"It's Not About Me" chronicles Barnes' ascent from his childhood in Hickory, N.C., up to his present status at the helm of the Volunteers. The piece features content on his journey as both a person and a basketball coach.
Produced by 11 University of Tennessee students, under the direction of professor Isaac Fowler, work on the documentary began in August 2025. The team conducted interviews with upwards of 20 subjects, from family members to former players and colleagues. It is the first public video to feature interviews with Barnes, his wife (Candy) and both his children (Nick and Carley).
Interviews took place in four cities across three states (North Carolina, Tennessee and Texas). Over 50 hours of archival footage and interviews were utilized to produce the story.
"It's Not About Me" will premiere July 30 at 7:30 p.m. on the official Tennessee Athletics YouTube channel.
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