Tennessee basketball head coach Rick Barnes has the chance to be immortalized in the prestigious Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. The Vols’ legendary coach was named one of the North American nominees with the chance to be inducted earlier this week.
He joins other men’s coaching candidates in Gene Bartow, Mark Few, Robert Foley, Herman Harried, Marv Kessler, Mike Leonardo, Rollie Massimino, Bob McKillop, Gary McKnight, Steve Moore, Bill Morse, Dick Motta, Tom Murphy, Jack Nagle, Bruce Pearl, Jim Phelan, Donald Richardson, Doc Rivers, Dave Robbins, Lee Rose, Kelvin Sampson, Harry Statham and Jerry Welsh.
This group of coaches joins a large number of other players and referees as men’s North American candidates. Other categories include North American women, contributors, international, women’s veterans and men’s veterans.
“The candidates for the Class of 2026 have each left an indelible impact on the game of basketball,” said John L. Doleva, President and CEO of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. “Through defining performances, influential leadership, and achievements that helped elevate the sport on the national and international stage, this year’s ballot recognizes those whose legacy continues to shape how the game is played, coached, and celebrated.”
.@malika_andrews announces the 2026 North America Naismith Hall of Fame nominees 🔥 pic.twitter.com/h6l7nOfMFZ
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) December 19, 2025
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Barnes has been the head coach at Tennessee since 2015. In that time, he’s proven to be easily debatably the best coach in program history, responsible for two of the three Elite Eight appearances in the team’s history. He has also won an SEC Tournament and two SEC regular-season titles since taking over the Vols.
Prior to his time with the Vols, Barnes also coached at Texas, Clemson, Providence and George Mason. As a head coach, heading into Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, he holds an 844-426 (.665) record in his career.
From Hickory, North Carolina, he played his college basketball at Lenoir-Rhyne.
Tennessee is back in action on Sunday afternoon at 3 p.m. ET in Food City Center. The Vols host Gardner-Webb with the game airing on SECN+.
