:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/63399414/1137631277.jpg.0.jpg)
The result of UCLA pursuing Rick Barnes? A new deal and a massive raise for the 64 year old Tennessee head coach. According to Jimmy Hyams, Barnes’ new deal will come in at 4.75 million per year. Hyams reports that Barnes will get an annual raise of $100,000.
That deal would make Barnes the third highest paid coach in college basketball.
Source: Tennessee has made Rick Barnes the 3rd highest paid coach in men's hoops at $4.75M with a $100K annual raise over 5 or 6 years. John Calipari's salary listed at $9.28M, Coach K at $7M. Tom Izzo $4.16M, Tony Bennett $4.15M, Bill Self $4.07M, Chris Mack $4M, Mick Cronin $4M
— Jimmy Hyams (@JimmyHyams) April 12, 2019
UCLA came after Barnes last weekend, following their rollercoaster ride of a search. The Bruins fired Steve Alford on December 31st, but managed to swing and miss with John Calipari and Jamie Dixon. Their search zeroed in on Barnes over the weekend, as they reportedly offered Barnes a deal worth five million annually.
Barnes admittedly weighed his option of leaving Tennessee, citing the allure and prestige of the UCLA job. Eventually, late Monday night, Barnes opted to stay in Knoxville and continue building what he started.
If you’ll think back to the fall, Barnes was only making 2.25 million annually. Tennessee rewarded him with a raise in September, now he’ll get a new deal after the UCLA scare.
For reference, Jeremy Pruitt makes 3.8 million as Tennessee’s head football coach. Barnes will now reportedly make 4.75. Not too bad for a basketball coach at a football school.