Rick Barnes has emerged as a serious candidate the for UCLA job, reportedly has interviewed

[McGeesPub]

Matt McMahon
Steve Forbes
Tommy Amaker

is my first realistic list.

Not a fan of that list, but think it’s realistic. That list makes us Grenada in the SEC arms race.

But if we are going with that tier, I think you have to start with Casey Alexander.

 

[SmokyRiverDog]

I'm ok with Barnes leaving (not saying I want him to, just that I won't be all that disappointed). We are in a FAR better position that when we lucked into him being fired. IF it happens, I think Tennessee will be ok

Timing is not great.

 

[Volstylexx]

If this happens because of the rumors that Fulmer hasn’t been supportive then he needs to be kicked in the nuts.

The rumor isn’t that Fulmer is unsupportive, it’s that he hasn’t been involved... and as Basilio said, most people would prefer an AD to be uninvolved.

 

[JacketVol]

Honestly, I consider what Bruce did as more of a stab in the back. But to each their own, I guess.

He never wanted to leave. He was just stupid

 

[BruinVol]

If he leaves this obviously is bad in the short term but might end up being good for the longterm. Should be able to get a better replacement now that ever before

 

[HuntlandVolinColo]

Bump him up to $4 million a year.

 

[Chris4Vols22]

So what's the opinion of those who are uber critical of the S16 loss? Hopeful he leaves? Would rather he stays?

 

[Matt2496]

I'm anxiously awaiting Barnes himself to debunk these rumors.

 

[FiremedicVOL127]

BRUCE AINT COMING.

I whole heartedly believe Bruce would come, now he has to be offered a opportunity to come back which will not happen.

 

[zjcvols]

 

[volman128]

If UCLA offers 8-9 million a year, Barnes would be insane not to take it. Theres no way UT will offer more than 5 million.
Bruce has to be the first call.

No way can we match that offer, and we shouldn't. UCLA is crazy for paying that much to a coach that has one FF on their resume -- and that was many years ago. I hope Barnes stays but it is what it is at this point.

 

[Akneal]

I could definitely see Bruce coming back if offered the job. After his Final Four I wouldnt be shocked at all if the NCAA started looking closer at Auburn.
His salary is also below 3 million, not sure what his buyout is though. Well see but Bruce will do whats best for Bruce.

 

[McGeesPub]

BRUCE AINT COMING.

No, he’s not. The PTB’s opinions of him are a lot different than that of the sidewalk alums.

 

[Shaun1985]

I whole heartedly believe Bruce would come, now he has to be offered a opportunity to come back which will not happen.

Lets hope not.

 

[secking]

I'd feel bad for UT fans. I don't know much about Barnes personally and I think he's a coach who consistently sucks in the tournament, when it matters most. That being said...he's not a bad coach, and I think he can continue to keep UT playing at a high level. Don't want him to leave. I like seeing UT competitive.

Is it true that UCLA is the reason UK gave Cal the lifetime contract? Seems to be the theme on UCLA boards.

 

[AmoebaVol]

Leonard Hamilton and Bruce Pearl have to be the first two candidates in that possible situation

Leonard Hamilton is like 71. No thanks.

 

[YankeeVol]

Timing is not great.

Like I said, I don't want him to, but it ain't the end of the world.

 

[Volstylexx]

BRUCE AINT COMING.

And no one thought Barnes was leaving before today. Eh? Stranger things have happened.

 

[BigOrangeMojo]

Rick's gotten about everything he's asked for. He's paid top 15 money, second in the SEC. It would be hard for me to imagine him feeling unappreciated.

His boss is a football guy who (in Barnes opinion) may be too invested in football. He may see that Fulmer opened up the checkbook for football assistants while he has struggled to get what he thinks his assistants are worth during his UT tenure. ...

 

[GAVol]

I apologize for posting it! I was not aware.

No need to apologize at all. Not your fault. Dan just drives me crazy with zero substance "articles".

 

[DownTheField]

more money. easier path (by far) to tourney. all adds up.

 

[YankeeVol]

Is it true that UCLA is the reason UK gave Cal the lifetime contract? Seems to be the theme on UCLA boards.

It would have been a pay cut to take the UCLA job.

 

[au4life23]

And no one thought Barnes was leaving before today. Eh? Stranger things have happened.

3 letters. FBI

 

[InVOLuntary]

If he leaves this obviously is bad in the short term but might end up being good for the longterm. Should be able to get a better replacement now that ever before

I would agree but I have zero reasons to believe that the UT administration will make the right hire. I'm not talking solely about Fulmer either.

 

[volman128]

Leonard Hamilton and Bruce Pearl have to be the first two candidates in that possible situation

Jay Wright