Murray State head men’s basketball coach Ryan Miller announced on May 1 that Tony Barbee, a former head coach at Auburn, Central Michigan, and UTEP, will join the Racers’ staff as associate head coach and defensive coordinator for the upcoming 2026-27 season.
Barbee’s addition is notable due to his extensive coaching experience and previous collaborations with Miller. The two have worked together twice before, at Memphis from 2003 to 2006 and Auburn from 2012 to 2014. Miller said, “Tony is going to bring invaluable experience to our coaching staff and will be a tremendous asset for us on the recruiting trail. Having been a head coach at three different programs and serving as a top assistant coach for one of the best coaches in the game, he understands the ins-and-outs of program management and brings in a positive championship mentality. I have worked with him on two other occasions, and I am excited to watch the impact he will have on the Racers this season.”
Barbee most recently served at Incarnate Word after four seasons leading Central Michigan, where he was named both Mid-American Conference Coach of the Year and NABC District 14 Coach of the Year for 2023-24. He previously spent seven years with Kentucky under Hall of Fame coach John Calipari in several roles including associate to the head coach. During his time there, Kentucky won four Southeastern Conference regular-season championships, four SEC Tournament titles, made five NCAA Tournament appearances including a Final Four berth in 2015, consistently brought in top-ranked recruiting classes nationally—including three No.1 classes—and saw thirteen players drafted into the NBA.
Reflecting on joining Murray State’s staff again alongside Miller, Barbee said: “I’m beyond excited to join Ryan and his staff at Murray State. I have known Ryan and his family for a long time, and have worked with him at two previous universities. I love his vision and what he’s building, and look forward to helping him take Murray State Basketball to the top of the Missouri Valley Conference.” Barbee’s career also includes successful stints as UTEP’s head coach—where he led them back into NCAA tournament contention—and earlier playing success under Calipari at Massachusetts.
Murray State Athletics is currently undertaking its ‘Leading The Pack’ fundraising campaign aimed at raising $100 million toward student-athlete success initiatives such as wellness programs; competitive resources; revenue sharing; and facility improvements.
