Ole Miss Basketball agree to contract extension with head coach Chris Beard

A day away from their second-round SEC Tournament match against Texas A&M, Ole Miss Basketball and HC Chris Beard have agreed on a contract extension.

Ole Miss Basketball head coach Chris Beard has agreed to a contract extension, a reward for his first season performance.

The details of the new contract have not been released. However, with the Mississippi law preventing coaches from signing a deal longer than four years, it won't be more than a year extension. His original contract was $3,25 million in his first season, with that rising $1000,000 every season from 2024-26.

Chris Beard has just guided the Rebels to their first 20-win season in five years, despite tailing off at the end of conference play, winning two from ten games.

Vice Chancellor for Intercollegiate Athletics Keith Carter spoke about Chris Beard and the contract extension,

"The future of Ole Miss Basketball could not be brighter under Coach Beard's leadership," Carter said. "His impact on every facet of our program was immediately apparent, and it has translated to a new standard of success and a culture that is building every day. He has galvanized Rebel Nation, and particularly our student body, and created a newfound passion for men's basketball that is felt throughout the entire Ole Miss community. We could not be more excited to strengthen our investment in the program and can't wait to see what the many years ahead hold with Coach Beard leading our team."

One apparent thing is the change of culture around the Ole Miss Basketball team in year one of the Chris Beard regime. If you look at his career, you will also see a trajectory in success in year two, wherever he has been.

AD Keith Carter will be hoping for more progression in year two under Chris Beard, with an NCAA Tournament appearance the goal. First, Beard and the team have a big game against Texas A&M in the SEC Tournament on Thursday.