USC approves contract extension for men’s basketball head coach Lamont Paris
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - The University of South Carolina Board of Trustees Governance Committee announced the extension of a contract for its head men’s basketball coach, Lamont Paris, was approved.
The contract extension was approved Friday by the Board of Trustees Governance Committee.
Paris’, 49, new contract term will go into effect Friday until March 31, 2030. He is set to earn a total of $3.7 million for the 2024-2025 season and end with $5 million for the 2029-2030 season.
“Coaching at the University of South Carolina is such a great match for me, the fit, these players, the community, the other coaches. I am very grateful for this opportunity,” said Paris. “I am grateful to our Board of Trustees, to Ray Tanner, to President Amiridis and hopefully we can continue to grow this program for a long time. I’m also thankful to our great fans for all of their .”
The Southeastern Conference coach of the year was announced as the Gamecock’s new leader on March 24, 2022, after South Carolina dismissed Frank Martin. His appointment earned him a spot in the university’s history as the first Black head coach in the history of the basketball program.
“Coach Paris has proven to be a great addition to the Gamecock family and is bringing a renewed excitement to our men’s basketball program,” said USC President Michael Amiridis. “Above all, he understands the importance of mentoring young student-athletes to become the best they can be – on and off the court.”
Before taking on the Gamecocks, Paris was the head coach at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga where he led his team to their first Southern Conference title and NCAA berth since 2016.
Under his leadership, the Gamecocks won seven SEC games on the road this season, tying the 1996-97 team for the most SEC victories away from home in a single season.
“I’ve got a lot of pride in what we’ve done and what we’ve built,” Paris continued. “I’m incredibly excited to be the coach and represent this University, this athletic department and more specifically, this basketball team. It’s a thrill for me to be able to coach these guys. I love where I am. I’m really fortunate and blessed I get to do this for a profession.”
The Gamecocks returned to the top-25 for the first time since 2017 on Feb. 5. This season, they have been ranked as high as No. 11 in both major polls this season.
“When Lamont was hired two years ago, I said he was the right coach to lead our men’s basketball program,” said Athletics Director Ray Tanner. “And, he has proven that to be true. He has the energy, ion, commitment, and he is a developer of talent – a true coach and teacher. I am glad he will remain at Carolina as our head men’s basketball coach.”
Paris is currently a candidate for the Naismith Men’s College Coach Of The Year award.
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