ESPN reports University of Tennessee coach Rick Barnes has been in serious discussions with UCLA about their head coaching vacancy. Sources tell ESPN there is interest by both parties. It was also reported Barnes spoke with UT athletic director Philip Fulmer last night.
Meanwhile, WBIR-TV Knoxville is reporting Tennessee has made an offer for Barnes to stay and a decision is expected sometime today.
The 64-year-old Barnes, who was named the 2019 Naismith Coach of the Year Sunday, signed a contract extension last September with Tennessee that runs through the 2023-24 season. Barnes’ current buyout at Tennessee is $5 million.