It is not always easy to be a great coach and also a great family man. However, having the right partner and an understanding family can make all the difference. Dedicating his passion to basketball for three decades now, Coach Rick Barnes has become a true legend in college basketball history. In 1977, he started his journey as an assistant coach at North State Academy and served the position for programs like Davidson, Ohio State, and more, before he took upon the role of head coach. In 1987, he set off on his head coaching journey from George Mason, after which he was associated with programs like Providence, Clemson, Texas, and now Tennessee (since 2015).

However, Coach Barnes’ successful devotion to the game has been supported by a great support system, his wife and family, who always supported him. His wife, Candy, took on the responsibility of raising their kids while he was away coaching and scouting student-athletes. So, let’s explore some personal aspects of Coach Barnes’s life.

What is Candy Barnes’s Family Background?

Not much information is known about Candy Barnes’ early life. However, as Rick himself revealed during an interview back in January 2023, she was also born in the coach’s hometown: Hickory, North Carolina. Candy was adopted as a child. According to reports, she is related to the founder of Lenoir-Rhyne. Therefore, Rhyne just so happens to be her maiden name.

How Did Rick Barnes and Candy Meet?

Rick Barnes met Candy when they were in high school. It was a love at first sight for Barnes as the moment he laid eyes on Candy, he instantly grew fond of her. The two started dating during their college years. Since then, their relationship blossomed and they ended up getting married.

What is Candy Barnes’s Background and Career?

According to reports, Candy graduated from the University of Tennessee with Biology as her major. Now, she actively participates in philanthropic works alongside Coach Barnes like the Tara Hall Home for Boys. More so, she once jumped into the Black Mango Creek to swim with boys to become a part of the group effort and show her support to the organization.

How is Rick and Candy’s Life as a Couple?

Through these years, Candy has been a pillar of strength in Coach Barnes’ life. Married to her high school sweetheart, she shares a strong bond with Barnes, and their relationship is filled with unconditional love and mutual support.

After Rick Barnes was hired by the Tennessee Volunteers in 2015, Candy welcomed the decision. After all, as she revealed in an interview back in April 2015, “We still have a lot of relatives in the area, and I know that Rick has a lot more to give to this sport.”

What is Candy’s Role in Their Family?

Rick and Candy together have two children: Nick and Carley. Candy reportedly raised the two at home, while Rick Barnes poured himself into his work. As Nick later recalled, “Certainly growing up dad was definitely gone, traveling a lot. I think it made it special when he was home”. With Rick away, Candy was responsible for instilling good qualities in her children. She must have been successful. After all, the children learned to remain grounded, and stayed comfortable in their skin. Even as Coach Barnes became more and more successful in the field of college basketball.

“Growing up, I just never felt any kind of special thing about being Coach Barnes’ kid because my parents never put themselves as special,” Nick said.

What is Candy’s Ethnicity?

Unfortunately, Candy Barnes’s ethnicity hasn’t been covered by any renowned media sources. No detailed information is provided on her family background. One could deduce the player to be of White origin due to his skin color. However, the same cannot be confirmed without the presence of a reputed source.

Just like he has invested in countless student-athletes to make them better on the court, Coach Barnes has truly set the stage higher in terms of balancing it all with the love and support of his family, which he never shies away from giving back wholeheartedly.