AUSTIN - Rick Barnes, who won more games than any men's basketball coach in Texas history and took the Longhorns to 16 NCAA tournaments, will not return for an 18th season, the Austin American-Statesman reported Saturday.
Barnes and athletic director Steve Patterson did not immediately return calls requesting comment.
Barnes, 60, had four years remaining on a contract that paid him $2.55 million per season, but the deal included a $1.75 buyout if he was fired this month. If UT waits to make the official announcement until Wednesday, the buyout drops to $1.5 million.
Barnes, who compiled a 402-180 record at UT, turned the Longhorns into a national power during his first decade on the job, guiding them to five Sweet 16 berths, three Elite Eights and a Final Four from 2002-'08.
But during the last seven years, huge expectations routinely turned into disappointment. Despite being ranked in the nation's Top 10 multiple times, the Longhorns never returned to the Sweet 16. Two years ago, they missed their only NCAA tournament under Barnes, and this season, they barely made it into the field before losing to Butler in the Round of 64.
Earlier this week, a source close to Patterson confirmed that the athletic director told Barnes he would need to make significant changes - presumably to his staff - in order to return as UT's coach. With the Erwin Center due to be torn down within the next five years, Patterson is trying to generate enthusiasm for a basketball program that will need to raise money to build a new arena.
Top candidates to replace Barnes are expected to include Wichita State's Gregg Marshall, VCU's Shaka Smart and Dayton's Archie Miller.
Barnes and athletic director Steve Patterson did not immediately return calls requesting comment.
Barnes, 60, had four years remaining on a contract that paid him $2.55 million per season, but the deal included a $1.75 buyout if he was fired this month. If UT waits to make the official announcement until Wednesday, the buyout drops to $1.5 million.
Barnes, who compiled a 402-180 record at UT, turned the Longhorns into a national power during his first decade on the job, guiding them to five Sweet 16 berths, three Elite Eights and a Final Four from 2002-'08.
But during the last seven years, huge expectations routinely turned into disappointment. Despite being ranked in the nation's Top 10 multiple times, the Longhorns never returned to the Sweet 16. Two years ago, they missed their only NCAA tournament under Barnes, and this season, they barely made it into the field before losing to Butler in the Round of 64.
Earlier this week, a source close to Patterson confirmed that the athletic director told Barnes he would need to make significant changes - presumably to his staff - in order to return as UT's coach. With the Erwin Center due to be torn down within the next five years, Patterson is trying to generate enthusiasm for a basketball program that will need to raise money to build a new arena.
Top candidates to replace Barnes are expected to include Wichita State's Gregg Marshall, VCU's Shaka Smart and Dayton's Archie Miller.
