Richt gets contract extension through 2023
CORAL GABLES — The University of Miami has made it official: it wants Mark Richt to stay in Coral Gables a bit longer.
Thursday the school announced it had extended Richt’s contract through the 2023 season.
Financial terms of the extension were not disclosed, but when Richt, 58, took over as Hurricanes coach in December 2015 he signed a contract then that was believed to be worth approximately $4 million annually.
A private school, Miami typically does not release the terms of such contracts for its coaches and staffers.
“Mark has done a phenomenal job of building this program and generating enthusiasm for this program since the day he arrived back on campus,” athletic director Blake James said in a statement announcing the extension. “We look forward to continued success under his watch, both on and off the field, for many years to come.”
Under Richt, the Hurricanes have gone 19-7 the last two seasons, including a 10-3 record last year.
That marked Miami’s first 10-win season since 2003. The Hurricanes also won their first Coastal Division title and made their first appearance in the ACC Championship Game.
For his efforts, Richt was named both the 2017 ACC Coach of the Year and the Walter Camp National Coach of the Year.
In 2016 — Richt’s first season at Miami — the Hurricanes closed the year with five straight wins, including a 31-14 victory over West Virginia in the Russell Athletic Bowl that marked Miami’s first bowl win in a decade.
The Hurricanes’ progress under Richt hasn’t been limited to wins on the field.
The coach also helped the school push for the construction of the Carol Soffer Indoor Practice Facility, which is set to open this fall. Richt and his wife Katharyn donated $1 million toward the project.
He has said more than once since arriving in Coral Gables that his intent was to finish his career at his alma mater, and the contract extension is a major step toward that objective.
“We’re excited about where this program is headed,” Richt said in the statement announcing his extension.
“I want to thank Blake James, [deputy director of athletics] Jennifer Strawley and our entire athletics administration for supporting our coaches, staff and student-athletes, ensuring that we’re committed to building on the great legacy of Hurricanes football.
“Miami is not only my alma mater, it is home to me and my family. It’s a blessing to live and work in paradise.”
Richt has posted a career 164-58 record in his 17 years as coach at Georgia and Miami.
The Hurricanes will open the season Sept. 2 against LSU in Arlington, Texas.