After what is arguably the most successful season in Racer Basketball history, Murray State University has renegotiated and extended the contract of head basketball coach Steve Prohm. The one-year extension means Prohm’s contract now runs through May 31, 2016.
“I want to thank Murray State President Dr. Randy Dunn and Director of Athletics Allen Ward for their commitment to me and the Racer Basketball program over the next several years,” Prohm said. “I am excited to be at Murray State and I appreciate the opportunity that I was given here a year ago to become the head coach.”
“Coach Prohm loves Murray State, his players and this community and we love the fact he will remain our head coach,” Ward added. “He, and the team, made a tremendous impact on everyone this past season and I look forward to what’s in store the next few years under his exceptional leadership.”
“He’s got something really special going here and this contract is representative of the fact that the university and athletic administration believe in and support his vision for Racer Basketball.”
In Prohm’s rookie season, the Racers were the hottest team in the nation and broke new ground for a program that was already well known.
MSU started the season 23-0 and was the last undefeated team in NCAA Division I. The Racers enjoyed 13-straight weeks of national rankings and set a program record by being ranked in the top-10. MSU’s 31-2 mark tied the Ohio Valley Conference record for wins in a single season and the Racers were the only team in NCAA D I that didn’t lose a road game, the first occurrence in their 87 seasons of college basketball.
“This was an amazing season and I just want to say a special thank you for everyone’s support,” Prohm said. “I’m looking forward to getting back to work with my guys and prepare for the upcoming year.”
“I’m very proud of what our players have been able to accomplish on and off the court this season. The way they represented Murray State was first class,” Prohm added. “Without them and my tremendous staff and support staff, none of this would have been possible.”
The Racers won the OVC regular-season championship, OVC Tournament title and advanced to their 15th NCAA Tournament where they earned a program-best sixth seed and defeated Colorado State in the second round before falling to Marquette in the third round.
“It’s extraordinary to say, considering we have such a tradition rich program, but there were a number of ‘firsts’ for Murray State basketball this season under Coach Prohm’s leadership,” Ward said. “And this contract with Steve is also a ‘first’ for our program.”
The guaranteed contract increases Prohm’s base salary to $270,000. With his radio/TV obligations, the total package will be $300,000 annually, not including incentives. Increased departmental revenue as a result of tickets sales and the NCAA win will be the source of funds that support the increased package.
