Rick Barnes, head coach of the No. 1-ranked Tennessee men’s basketball team, has achieved what most coaches only dream of: an undefeated season so far, a team poised for a No. 1 seed in March Madness, and victories over powerhouse programs like Louisville, Virginia, and Baylor. But Barnes says his identity and success are not tied to basketball. Instead, they are rooted in his faith in Jesus Christ.

“Years ago, I would have lied and said coaching was my life,” Barnes admitted in a recent interview. “But my relationship with Jesus Christ is the most important thing in my life today.”

After more than a decade at Tennessee, Barnes has established himself as one of college basketball’s elite coaches. Under his leadership, the Volunteers have won two SEC regular-season titles and an SEC Tournament championship and reached the NCAA tournament six times. Last season, the Vols advanced to the Elite Eight for only the second time in program history.

Despite his impressive résumé, Barnes insists his Christian faith keeps his priorities in perspective. “Every day is a gift from God,” Barnes said. “I want to do everything I can to glorify Him in everything I do and to be the best I can be with everyone I come in contact with. That’s what drives me today.”

Barnes says this perspective helps him focus on the present rather than obsess over accolades like a Final Four appearance or a national title.

“I know exactly what we need to get done today,” he explained. “I don’t know what tomorrow will bring, but for the next couple of hours, I need [my players] to focus so we don’t waste today.”

Barnes’ faith journey hasn’t always been steady. He recalls a time when he was consumed by the pressures of coaching and material success, neglecting his spiritual life and his responsibilities as a husband and father.

“My daughter and son sat me down and told me I had no chance of eternal life with Jesus Christ if I didn’t change,” Barnes revealed. Their honesty marked a turning point.

At the time, Barnes admits, he was selfish and driven by worldly ambitions. “You get caught up in the world. You start living in your flesh instead of the Spirit of God. I wasn’t the father I should have been. I wasn’t the husband I should have been,” he confessed.

Through God’s grace and the support of loved ones, Barnes says he is a changed man. “I’m thankful for the people in my life who spoke truth to me. By God’s mercy, I’m a different person today than I was back then.”

Now, Barnes sees coaching as a platform to glorify God and make a positive impact. Known for developing NBA talent—including stars like Kevin Durant and Grant Williams—he balances his professional drive with a higher purpose.

“I’m blessed to have this job, 100 percent,” Barnes said. “But I want to leave it better than I found it. I’m driven in a different way than I was years ago.”

For Barnes, success is no longer about championships or trophies—it’s about honoring God and serving others.

“I want people to know that’s what I’m about,” he said. “That’s what’s important to me.”