Rick Barnes will be coaching the Tennessee men’s basketball team for as long as he wants.

The school announced Thursday it had signed the 71-year-old Barnes to a lifetime contract. He will be paid $6 million annually, per multiple sources.

Barnes has guided the Vols to a 232-109 record in 10 seasons, the second-most wins by any UT men’s basketball coach, trailing only Ray Mears (278-112 in 15 years).

Under Barnes, UT has gone 112-67 in SEC play, produced six 25-win seasons, advanced four times to the NCAA Tournament’s Sweet 16, reached the Elite Eight twice, captured three conference tournaments and finished in the top 10 four times.

“Rick has taken our program to unprecedented heights, and we are absolutely thrilled to have him continue coaching on Rocky Top for the rest of his career

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