On Leadership: Plowman Interviews Rick Barnes on Inspiring Effort
Chancellor Donde Plowman sat down with UT Men’s Basketball Coach Rick Barnes to talk about his approach to leadership on the court, with his staff, and across the university community.
Throughout Barnes’s 11 years with UT, the Volunteer men’s basketball team has seen an upward trend of success, with two consecutive appearances in the Elite Eight (2024, 2025). Barnes emphasized that the foundation of any great team starts with effort and a willingness to grow.
“I always tell my guys the hardest thing to coach is effort. But when you’re with young people that really have the effort and really want to do it—you do really want to pour into them,” he said.
During the conversation, Barnes highlighted key moments in his personal leadership development, from teachers who mentored him at a young age to opposing coaches that taught him new ways to respect the game of basketball. His approach to coaching has evolved over time, motivating him to empower his staff and provide more opportunities for young coaches to get more involved and develop their own skills.
Barnes also reflected on the responsibility leaders have to uphold shared values and find healthy ways to manage the high-pressure nature of sports. He cited learning from other head coaches across UT’s athletic department and credited the collective vision of university leadership as the catalyst for recent successes.
“What’s happened here in the last 11 years is mind-boggling to me,” he said. “And it goes back to what we’re talking about: the leadership.”
The full interview is available for viewing at the link below.