WRAL Sports Fan

WRALSportsFan

Texas AD: Barnes Set To Sign New Contract

Apr 8, 2006

RALEIGH, N.C. — The coach-watch continues as N.C. State searches for its next head basketball coach. But while all is quiet in West Raleigh for the time being, the Wolfpack's top choice now appears to be officially out.

There has been speculation that Texas coach Rick Barnes might be leaving the door open for NC State. But Saturday, Texas Athletic Director DeLoss Dodds said that's not true. Dodds told an Austin newspaper that Barnes has a agreed to a new contract that includes a $400,000 a year raise. That would make Rick Barnes one of the top five coaches in college basketball in terms of salary.

Dodds said he's held several meetings with Barnes this week, and as far as the N.C. State job is concerned, he stated: "All I know is he's told me there's nothing there. Rick's been very up front with me...Rick's in great shape."