DEAL DONE: University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) and men’s basketball head coach Chris Beard agreed to a new contract extending his tenure through the 2029-30 season.
This agreement came on the one-year anniversary of Beard’s hiring and followed a successful debut season where the Rebels achieved their first 20-win season in five years.
Beard’s initial contract with Ole Miss was a four-year deal with a base salary of $3.35 million for the 2024-25 season. However, the new agreement, facilitated through the Ole Miss Athletic Foundation, increased his annual compensation to $5 million, with a $100,000 increment each subsequent year. This extension aligns with practices at Mississippi’s public universities, where private athletic foundations are utilized to offer contracts exceeding the state’s four-year limit for public employees.
Under Beard’s leadership, the Rebels began the season with a 13-0 record, matching the program’s longest winning streak. They concluded the regular season with a 20-11 record, marking significant progress and renewed enthusiasm among the fan base. The SJB Pavilion witnessed record-breaking attendance, reflecting the community’s support and excitement.
Beard’s coaching pedigree includes a 70.2% career win percentage and recognition as the 2019 AP National Coach of the Year. His previous achievements, such as leading Texas Tech to the 2019 National Championship game, underscore his capability to elevate programs to national prominence.
The contract extension signifies Ole Miss’s commitment to sustaining the momentum generated in Beard’s inaugural season. Both the administration and Beard have expressed optimism about the future, with plans to build upon the foundation laid during the 2023-24 season. This strategic move aims to position Ole Miss as a competitive force in the Southeastern Conference and on the national stage in the coming years.
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