"Tennessee Coach Rick Barnes Discusses Retirement Speculation: Trusting in God's Plan"

INDIANAPOLIS -- Tennessee coach Rick Barnes left open the possibility his next defeat could mark the end of his tenure as the Vols gear up to face Kentucky in the Sweet 16 on Friday night.

Barnes stated at Lucas Oil Stadium on Thursday afternoon that he is relying on faith to determine whether he will continue coaching, amidst swirling rumors that he has informed the university of his plans to retire.

\"I believe God will make it abundantly clear when it is time for me to step down and my time will be up. But that time is not now,\" Barnes declared. \"If it were, I would feel it. But I have a passion for coaching basketball and being a part of it. I am fully committed to our team and have already secured a commitment from a new player. We are already planning for next season and I fully intend to be a part of it.\"

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Barnes has led Tennessee to the Sweet 16 for the third consecutive year and has a total of 835 coaching victories.

After initial reports of his imminent retirement, Barnes made a comment to senior point guard Zakai Zeigler that it would be difficult to coach without a player like him.

\"I truly meant that, but I could have said the same about my first point guard at George Mason over 30 years ago, Amp Davis. I loved coaching him,\" Barnes explained. \"People may have assumed that because I am older now, this could be my last year. But the truth is, I have placed my future in God's hands. He will make it clear to me when the time is right.\"

--Jeff Reynolds, Field Level Media