Barbee To Sign 6-Year, $9 Million Deal With Auburn; Says Decision To Leave UTEP Was Difficult

Tony Barbee, who coached UTEP men’s basketball team for four years, will make $1.5 million per season over six years as Auburn’s new basketball coach, according to his letter of agreement obtained by the Opelika-Auburn News.

He also will get two cars.

The Opelika-Auburn News caught up with Barbee and his family at the Auburn-Opelika Robert G. Pitts Airport earlier today and asked Barbee a few questions.

“It was difficult leaving UTEP – the fan support, the loyalty, the connection with the players – change is always hard,” Barbee told the newspaper. But it was exciting to take this opportunity because all the things Auburn has to offer ? a wonderful university, a wonderful community, the commitment that the university has made to men’s basketball, obviously with the new Auburn Arena coming on line very shortly ? so all those things. It was difficult in one way, but a very exciting opportunity that I couldn’t pass up.”

Read Opelika-Auburn News’ coverage on Barbee here.