Haith Signs New Five Year Contract

March 23, 2005

Coral Gables, Fla. (hurricanesports.com) – University of Miami President Donna Shalala and Athletic Director Paul Dee announced today that Head Basketball Coach Frank Haith has signed a new five-year contract which runs through the 2009-2010 season. Terms of the contract were not disclosed.

“We are extremely pleased with the success of the men’s basketball program this season and look forward to the program’s continued growth under Coach Haith,” said Dee. “We felt it was appropriate at this time to give Coach Haith a new five-year contract.”

In his first season as a collegiate head coach, Haith guided the Hurricanes to a surprising 16-13 record, which included three wins over ranked opponents and its first post-season appearance since 2002. Miami, which was picked to finish last in the ACC in the preseason media poll, finished sixth in the league with a 7-9 conference record.

Haith was named the National Association of Basketball Coaches District Coach of the Year and is a finalist for the Naismith National Coach of the Year Award.

“I appreciate the confidence that President Shalala, Paul Dee and the University administration have in our players and coaching staff,” said Haith. “This contract allows us the opportunity to continue building this basketball program into one that the University and the surrounding community can be proud of.”

Before taking over the Miami basketball program this season, Haith spent 15 seasons as an assistant at the D-I level where he helped lead teams that have won an NIT Championship, advanced to the NCAA Sweet Sixteen three times, reached one Elite Eight and one Final Four.