The University of Missouri announced late Monday that former University of Miami head coach Frank Haith has agreed to become the 17th men’s basketball coach in school history. He will be introduced Tuesday morning at 10 a.m.
The University of Missouri System Board of Curators has approved an employment package of $1.5 million guaranteed for five years, plus $100,000 in deferred annual compensation, with a one-year automatic extension that would kick in on May 1, 2012.
Mike Alden Press Conference announcing Frank Haith as the new coach (34:00)
Known for his recruiting in the Big 12 region from his time at Texas and Texas A&M, Haith brings a complete package to Missouri Basketball, which includes on-court success, community involvement and unparalleled academic achievement in the classroom by his student-athletes. All areas that Director of Athletics Mike Alden said he would take into consideration when hiring the next coach.
As much as we don’t know about Haith and the Miami basketball program, he has done some good things at a school where football reigns supreme. He led Miami’s transition into the ACC and got that program to five postseason appearances and Top 25 rankings three of the last four years.
“We’re very pleased to have such a well-rounded and respected man lead our basketball program into the future,” said MU Director of Athletics Mike Alden. “Frank has demonstrated throughout his career that he fits the criteria we were looking for. He’s graduated 21-of-22 of his players while at Miami. He is recognized as one of the top recruiters in the nation and his Midwest ties fit very well with what we’re needing right now. His entire reputation is based on building young men of character, and his work ethic is above reproach. Frank has the character and integrity we are looking for, and he’s someone who is very excited to be a Missouri Tiger. And of course, we feel that all of these qualities combined, when given the opportunity at a program with a proud tradition and resources such as ours at Mizzou, that he’s going to win at a very high level,” he said.