FILE – In this Feb. 2015, file photo, Texas head coach Rick Barnes calls to his players during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Iowa State in Austin, Texas. Barnes, who shaped Texas into a national basketball power with three Big 12 championships and 16 NCAA Tournament appearances in 17 years, will be released after yet another quick exit from the postseason, people with knowledge of the decision told The Associated Press on Saturday. (AP Photo/Eric Gay, File) KNOXVILLE — Tennessee appears to be moving quickly in its search for a new basketball coach.
Multiple media outlets reported Monday afternoon that the Volunteers were nearing a deal with former Texas coach Rick Barnes to replace Donnie Tyndall, who was fired by Tennessee on Friday amid an NCAA investigation into his former program at Southern Mississippi.
According to ESPN, Tennessee offered its job to Barnes, who took the Longhorns to 16 NCAA tournaments in his 17 seasons in Austin, and CBS Sports reported the two sides were in the process of “finalizing a deal.”
There was no official announcement or comment from Tennessee as of Monday night.
If Tennessee and Barnes are able to agree to a deal, an official announcement could come today, and Barnes could be introduced today or Wednesday.