University of Tennessee coach Rick Barnes was this year’s recipient of the Naismith Coach of the Year presented Sunday in Minneapolis. Barnes is the first UT men’s coach to receive the honor.
Meanwhile, reports are surfacing Barnes has emerged as a serious candidate for the UCLA vacancy, according to a report from 247Sports. The 64-year-old Barnes has compiled an 88-50 record in four seasons at Tennessee. The Vols went 31-6 this past season. UCLA has been searching for a new coach after dismissing Steve Alford December 31st.