Sept. 11, 2009

The OSU/A&M Board of Regents approved changes in Oklahoma State head basketball coach Travis Ford’s contract Friday morning. The changes include a four-year contract extension, boosting the agreement to a 10-year contract through the 2018-19 season.

“OSU and the Board of Regents are delighted with the job Coach Ford has done in his first year and appreciate the passion and excitement he has brought to our program,” said OSU President Burns Hargis. “OSU basketball has a long and storied history and we look forward to Coach Ford adding new chapters of success.”

The new contract increases his annual compensation for the upcoming season to $1.8 million, and includes annual increments that will build his pay to $2.8 million for the final four years of the contract. His annual compensation is split between salary and talent & personal services.

“Coach Ford did a tremendous job rejuvenating our basketball program in his first season,” said Mike Holder, OSU vice-president for athletics. “We returned to the NCAA Tournament and advanced to the second round. He signed one of the nation’s top recruiting classes.

“He is committed to success for our student-athletes in the classroom and on the court, and he is committed to Oklahoma State University. This contract rewards him for the job he has done and demonstrates OSU's commitment to him. We consider Travis a rising star in the coaching profession and look forward to his leadership for many years to come.”

In his first season at the helm of the Cowboys, Ford led Oklahoma State to a 23-12 record and the second round of the NCAA Tournament. It was the Pokes’ first appearance in the tourney since 2005. OSU defeated sixth-ranked Oklahoma 71-70 to advance to the semifinals of the Big 12 Championship. The Cowboys led the Big 12 Conference in scoring, averaging nearly 79 points per game, and connected on a league-record 327 three pointers.

“My family and I are overwhelmed by the support we have received from Oklahoma State University and extremely grateful for this new contract,” Ford said. “I also appreciate the loyal support of Cowboy fans, including our students, who make Gallagher-Iba Arena one of the toughest places to play in the country.

“We have a great group of young student-athletes and I have a tremendous staff. Our entire team is committed to succeeding at the highest level.”