A decade ago Lane Kiffin left Rocky Top for L.A. Will basketball coach Rick Barnes head west this week?
Barnes is coming off a 31-6 season – tying his personal record for wins in a season – that resulted in a trip to the Sweet 16. The Vols were ultimately beaten by Purdue in overtime.
Barnes is currently the second-highest paid coach in the SEC, earning $3.25 million per year – second only to John Calipari of Kentucky.
UCLA wouldn't pay the $8 million buyout of TCU head coach Jamie Dixon. According to Daniels, Barnes’ buyout is less than that, checking in at $5 million.
Barnes has a 692-364 record in 31 years as a head coach. He has taken Providence, Clemson, Texas, and Tennessee to the NCAA Tournament, leading Texas to the Final Four in 2003.