Ole Miss Head Coach Chris Beard Agrees to Contract Extension After 20-Win Debut Season
Ole Miss men’s basketball coach Chris Beard has agreed to a contract extension after leading the Rebels to a 20-win season in his first year at the helm. The school announced the extension on Tuesday, securing Beard’s leadership for the foreseeable future as the program looks to build on its early success.
Beard, who was hired in March 2023, quickly turned around an Ole Miss team that had struggled in previous seasons. Under his guidance, the Rebels finished the regular season with a 20-11 record, marking their first 20-win campaign since 2019. The team also made significant strides in SEC play, competing against some of the nation’s top programs.
“We are thrilled with the direction of our basketball program under Coach Beard’s leadership,” Ole Miss athletic director Keith Carter said in a statement. “His ability to develop players, instill a winning culture, and compete at a high level has been evident from day one. We are excited about the future and believe this extension reflects our commitment to sustained success.”
Beard, a former national coach of the year, previously led Texas Tech to the 2019 NCAA Championship Game and had a brief stint at Texas before joining Ole Miss. His impact in Oxford was immediate, with the Rebels exceeding expectations in his first season.
“I’m grateful for the support from the Ole Miss community and excited to continue building something special here,” Beard said. “Our goal is to compete for championships, and this extension is another step in that journey.”
With Beard locked in for the future, Ole Miss hopes to solidify itself as a contender in the SEC and return to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2019.
