UM, Morris Agree to Three-Year Extension
CORAL GABLES, Fla. — The University of Miami and head baseball coach Jim Morris have agreed to terms on a three-year contract extension that will run through the 2018 baseball season. At the conclusion of the contract, longtime assistant coach Gino DiMare will assume the reigns of one of the premier baseball programs in college athletics.
Morris, who has been at the helm of the Hurricanes program since November 1993, led Miami to its second ACC Regular Season Championship in program history this past spring. Among the most successful head coaches in college baseball history, Morris has guided Miami to over 900 wins in his 21 seasons in Coral Gables.
“We are ecstatic that Coach Morris has agreed to remain at the helm through the 2018 season,” said Director of Athletics Blake James. “What Jim has built at Miami is unprecedented, and the success speaks for itself. This extension is well earned.”
DiMare is entering his 16th season as an assistant at Miami, following a stellar playing career at UM and a professional career with the Boston Red Sox organization. DiMare has been instrumental in the Canes success, overseeing recruiting and serving as the hitting coach for many years.
“Gino possesses all of the ingredients of successful head coaches,” James said. “I have no doubt that he will continue to bring conference and national championships to Coral Gables. As Jim leads our program through 2018, we have a plan in place for a smooth transition and continued excellence, and I couldn’t be happier that Gino will be our next head baseball coach.”
“Coach Morris has been a tremendous leader for our baseball program for many years and I will be honored to serve with him for another four,” DiMare said. “I am profoundly humbled by the opportunity to take over such a storied program from a legend, and I am confident that we will continue the proud Miami baseball tradition.”
Morris has led Miami to 21 straight appearances in the NCAA postseason and 11 trips to the College World Series in Omaha, Neb. The Hurricanes’ college-baseball record 42 straight postseason appearances is the longest active streak for any Division I sports program nationwide. Morris, who ranks fourth among active Division I coaches in career victories, has been named National Coach of the Year on three occasions. Including his time at Georgia Tech, Morris ranks eighth all-time in Division I victories.
“I am humbled and honored to continue to serve the University for four more years,” Morris said. “We have had an outstanding run but there is more work to be done and more championships to be won. I want to thank President Shalala and Blake James for their belief in what we are doing and I am excited for Gino to get this opportunity.”
