The head coach of a top-ranked men's college basketball team said his Christian faith helps keep the sport positive even in the face of criticism. Rick Barnes led Tennessee to the No. 1 ranking in every major basketball poll thanks to an undefeated record and wins over Louisville, Virginia, Baylor, Syracuse, Miami, and Illinois. ESPN analyst Joe Lunardi says the Vols are favorites for the No. 1 seed.
Over 10 seasons, Burns led the Vols to two SEC regular season titles, one SEC Tournament title, six NCAA Tournament appearances, and last year to the Elite Eight for the second time in program history.
Basketball analyst Jon Rothstein asked Burns spoke last week about how he balances not letting “getting to the Final Four and winning a national title be the driving force behind who I am,” but not allowing it to “define me.”
“Honestly, John, I personally don't care about my makeup or me being a coach,” Burns said. “Years ago, that would have been a lie.
“But my relationship with Jesus Christ is the most important thing in my life to this day. And I go to work every day. I don't know what tomorrow will bring. …I have to worry. It won't happen.'' Today and today only. I'm getting ready to go to practice in 35 minutes. And they are on exam. But they have a lot more in mind. For the next few hours, I want them to focus on what we need to do to get this day done without wasting it.
“And I feel every day is a gift from God. I do everything I can to glorify God in everything I do and to everyone I come in contact with. And I want people to know that.'' That's what's important to me: Am I blessed to have this job? I want to get the most out of this job. But I am driven in a different way than I was years ago, which is why I continue to do what I do. ”
Burns admitted that years ago he became so obsessed with basketball that he neglected his spiritual life.
“One day my daughter and son sat me down and told me the truth flatly that if I didn't change, I had no chance of everlasting life with Jesus Christ,” he said.
He was said to have been selfish and greedy at the time.
“You get caught up in the world, and you start living in your flesh instead of what I call the Spirit of God. This world can take you down all kinds of rabbit holes.” he said. “…I wasn't the father I was supposed to be. I wasn't the husband I was supposed to be. And I'm grateful that I had people in my life who spoke the truth to me and taught me the truth. I knew they were right, and by the grace of God and His great mercy, I know that I am a different person now than I was then.
Barnes is known for developing NBA talent and has 33 NBA draft picks, including 19 first-round picks and six top-10 picks. At Texas, he coached NBA star Kevin Durant. At the University of Tennessee, he coached future NBA players Dalton Knecht and Grant Williams.
.@JonRothstein Let Pastor Rick Barnes Cook on a National Platform pic.twitter.com/DzPIwxTLtF
— ً (@ClasslessVol) December 10, 2024
Photo provided by: ©YouTube/tennessee football volquest
michael faust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His articles have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, Christian Post, Leaf Chronicle, Toronto Star, and Knoxville News Sentinel.
Listen to Michael's podcast! he is the host of crosswalk talka podcast where he speaks with Christian movie stars, musicians, directors, and more. Hear how famous Christians are making their faith a priority in Hollywood, and discover the best Christian movies, books, TV and other entertainment. can be found crosswalk talk above LifeAudio.comor subscribe at apple or spotify So never miss an interview that is sure to encourage your faith.
