It’s no secret that the men’s Tennessee basketball program has a history of running through coaches. Due to NCAA investigations, administrative incompetence and sometimes a straight-up lack of commitment from the men themselves, numerous leaders of that program on Rocky Top have failed to make it five years.
After his 17-14 season and 9-9 SEC season that ended prematurely, Rick Barnes became just the fifth head coach to reach such an accomplishment. Even Jerry Green, who had what was at the time the most successful four-year run in school history, resigned under pressure after his fourth year on the job.