Tennessee head coach Rick Barnes says he will return next season

By JAMES MADDEN

CHICAGO – For the third consecutive year, Rick Barnes and Tennessee fell just one win short of the first Final Four appearance in program history. A 95-62 thumping by Michigan, in a game that seemed unreachable from the jump ended the Volunteers’ season in Chicago on Sunday.

Turning 72 before the start of next season, Barnes’ name has been rumored in potential retirement conversations. With next year being his 12th season at Tennessee, Barnes said he’ll be back with the Volunteers next season.