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Rick Barnes addresses the elephant in the room after Tennessee's blowout loss to Michigan

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Zach Ragan | Last updated Mar 29, 2026 7:52 PM ET

The Tennessee Vols will have to wait at least another year to make their first Final Four appearance.

Tennessee was blown out by the Michigan Wolverines in the Elite Eight on Sunday, falling 95-62 in a game that was out of hand by halftime.

The Volunteers have gone to three straight Elite Eights, but they've been blown out in their last two appearances (UT lost 69-50 to Houston last season).

Rick Barnes addresses the elephant in the room

Vols head coach Rick Barnes is among the top current coaches in college basketball (again, three straight Elite Eights), but because of his age (he turns 72 in July), questions about his future are inevitable in March.

Barnes was asked Sunday after the loss to Michigan if he's 100 percent committed to returning to Tennessee next season.

"I am," said Barnes in response.

Rick Barnes asked if he’s 100% on coming back to coach Tennessee next season.

“I am,” he replies.
— Gentry Estes (@Gentry_Estes) March 29, 2026

That's good news for the Vols. I'm sure fans are frustrated by the result on Sunday, but there's no doubt that Barnes returning next season is what's best for Tennessee.

The Vols just didn't quite have the championship recipe this season, but Barnes will work tirelessly this offseason to put Tennessee in position again next season to have a shot to reach the Final Four.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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