The Montana University System Board of Regents approved a new three-year contract for University of Montana head basketball coach Travis DeCuire.
The regents’ decision came during its July 19 conference call, effective through the 2018-19 season. The new three-year agreement replaces the contract DeCuire signed when he was hired as the 27th head coach in Montana history on May 31, 2014.
In Montana’s long line of illustrious basketball coaches, DeCuire is the first in school history to post back-to-back 20-win seasons in his first two seasons. He has also led UM to a share of the Big Sky Conference regular season title in 2015, two appearances in the league tournament championship game and two appearances in postseason tournaments.
“Travis has done a wonderful job and I am thrilled to get him under contract for the next three years,” said UM Activities Director Kent Haslam. “I am excited about the direction of the men’s basketball program. He is a great mentor for our student-athletes and holds his team accountable on the court and in the classroom.”
In his first season as head coach of the Grizzlies, DeCuire and his staff led UM to a share of the Big Sky regular season championship after the league coaches picked the Griz to finish eighth in the preseason polls. The 2014-15 Griz would go on to play in the league tournament championship game and a trip to the NIT postseason tourney with a 20-13 overall record.
The second season for DeCuire saw continued success, including a win over Boise State in Missoula, and seven-straight wins to open Big Sky play, leading to a 21-12 overall record, a return trip to the Big Sky championship game and a trip to the CBI postseason tournament.
The 2016-17 Grizzlies are set to open their season on Nov. 11 at Southern Cal, followed by the team’s home opener against the Wyoming Cowboys in Missoula on Nov. 14.