Fired Doesn’t Mean Failed: The Rick Barnes Journey

This weekend, Rick Barnes led the Tennessee Volunteers, my alma mater, to their third consecutive Sweet 16 appearance.

Barnes came to Knoxville in 2015 after being let go by the University of Texas. Despite compiling a 402–180 record (.691 winning percentage) over 17 seasons and leading Texas to 16 NCAA Tournament appearances in 17 years — including a Final Four in 2003 — the Longhorns decided it was time to move in a different direction.

Since Barnes’ departure, Texas has struggled to find stability:

- Shaka Smart (2015–2021): 109–86 record (.559). Three NCAA Tournament appearances and one NIT Championship, but no tournament wins.

- Chris Beard (2021–2022): 22–12 record (.647), with one NCAA Tournament appearance. Departed amid off-court issues.

- Rodney Terry (2022–2025): 41–28 record (.594), dismissed in today after a first-round NCAA Tournament exit.

In total, Texas has gone 172–126 (.577) since Barnes left and just 3–4 in NCAA Tournament games across those years — with no Sweet 16 appearances.

Meanwhile, Tennessee under Rick Barnes has thrived:

- 226–107 record (.678) since 2015.

- Six NCAA Tournament appearances (and counting), including three straight - Sweet 16s (2022–2024).

- SEC Regular Season Champions (2018)

- SEC Tournament Champions (2022)

Don’t let anyone else determine your worth! Rick Barnes wasn’t fired because he couldn’t coach — he just needed a different stage. His story is proof that being let go doesn’t mean you’re not good enough. Sometimes, it just means it’s time to find a place that values you, challenges you, and brings out your best.

Like Rick Barnes, Mouche was built on the belief that the right environment unlocks greatness—and we’re here to prove that when you bet on the right people, the wins will follow.

Find a place that nurtures your talent, not one that holds you back.

Up next: Kentucky. Go Vols! 🧡🏀