Monmouth University announced that men’s head basketball coach, King Rice, agreed on a five-year contract extension to stay at the school on Monday. The extension will keep the former North Carolina guard in West Long Branch through the 2025-2026 season.
“In the current climate of Division I athletics Monmouth University is fortunate to have a successful coach who also puts a premium on academics and graduating his players,” said Monmouth University President Patrick Leahy. “I am pleased to announce that King Rice, along with his wife Summer and sons Xander and Julian, will continue to be an integral part of the University community for at least another five years.”
“Throughout his time at Monmouth, King has continued to build the program in an upward trajectory while maintaining a positive culture that produces men who are prepared to continue their careers whether it be in the realm of professional basketball or in the workforce.”
Rice has a 161-154 record (108-81 conference record) over ten seasons with the Hawks. He helped lead the team into the MAAC from the Northeast Conference in 2013, where Monmouth has won three regular-season championships in the competitive conference. Rice has also been named MAAC Coach of the Year three times, including last season, becoming only the third coach in conference history to accomplish the feat.
“Last year King Rice and his staff were able to navigate an extremely difficult season, one which culminated in him earning MAAC Coach of the Year honors for the third time in the last six years,” said Monmouth Director of Athletics Jeff Stapleton. “For the last decade, he has led our men’s basketball program to a number of impressive campaigns, including three regular-season titles, all the while ensuring his student-athletes graduate. The program continues to move in a positive direction, and we are looking forward to more success in the coming years.”
More importantly, Rice has guided a program that continuously puts the student in student-athlete. Thirty seniors have earned their degrees with Rice at the helm. Monmouth won back-to-back NABC Team Academic Excellence awards for posting a team GPA over 3.0, the first time Monmouth won the award in consecutive years. Rice has contributed to Monmouth arguably becoming one of the top programs in New Jersey since arriving at the school.
King Rice Was A Sought After Coach
Over the past few seasons, Rice was mentioned for several jobs around college basketball. This contract extension shows his dedication to the school and the drive to finally pick up the elusive MAAC Tournament championship and NCAA Tournament berth.
“I’m so proud to represent Monmouth University and all the great alums and students,” said Rice. “This has been the best ten years on our journey as a family and we’re super excited for the future.”
Monmouth opens the 2021-22 season at Charlotte on November 9.
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