Miami Signs Hamilton To New Contract
April 4, 2000
Coral Gables – University of Miami Athletic Director Paul Dee announced today that Head Basketball Coach Leonard Hamilton has signed a new seven-year contract which runs through the 2006-07 season. Terms of the contract were not disclosed.
“I am extremely pleased that we have been able to reach an agreement that will keep Coach Hamilton here for another seven years,” said Dee. “His success both on and off the court warranted this new contract.”
“I appreciate the confidence that President Foote, Paul Dee and the University administration have in our players and coaching staff,” said Hamilton. “This contract allows us the opportunity to continue building a rich tradition of successful basketball at the University of Miami.”
Hamilton is a two-time BIG EAST Coach of the Year selection and guided Miami to a 23-11 record this season including a 13-3 conference mark. The Hurricanes won a share of the BIG EAST regular season championship and advanced to the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA Tournament for the first time in school history.
Hamilton has led Miami to five post-season appearances in the last six years including three straight NCAA Tournament berths. Prior to Hamilton’s arrival at Miami, the Hurricanes had made only one NCAA appearance (1960).
Before taking over the Miami basketball program in 1990, Hamilton was the head coach at Oklahoma State for four seasons and led the Cowboys to their first back-to-back post-season berths in 36 years. He arrived at Oklahoma State after helping lead Kentucky to the 1978 NCAA championship as an assistant coach and later serving as the first associate basketball coach at Kentucky. The Gastonia, NC native began his coaching career as a graduate assistant coach at Austin Peay in 1971.
-30-University of Miami Athletic Director Paul Dee announced today that Head Basketball Coach Leonard Hamilton has signed a new seven-year contract which runs through the 2006-07 season. Terms of the contract were not disclosed.
“I am extremely pleased that we have been able to reach an agreement that will keep Coach Hamilton here for another seven years,” said Dee. “His success both on and off the court warranted this new contract.”
“I appreciate the confidence that President Foote, Paul Dee and the University administration have in our players and coaching staff,” said Hamilton. “This contract allows us the opportunity to continue building a rich tradition of successful basketball at the University of Miami.”
Hamilton is a two-time BIG EAST Coach of the Year selection and guided Miami to a 23-11 record this season including a 13-3 conference mark. The Hurricanes won a share of the BIG EAST regular season championship and advanced to the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA Tournament for the first time in school history.
Hamilton has led Miami to five post-season appearances in the last six years including three straight NCAA Tournament berths. Prior to Hamilton’s arrival at Miami, the Hurricanes had made only one NCAA appearance (1960).
Before taking over the Miami basketball program in 1990, Hamilton was the head coach at Oklahoma State for four seasons and led the Cowboys to their first back-to-back post-season berths in 36 years. He arrived at Oklahoma State after helping lead Kentucky to the 1978 NCAA championship as an assistant coach and later serving as the first associate basketball coach at Kentucky. The Gastonia, NC native began his coaching career as a graduate assistant coach at Austin Peay in 1971.
-30-
