King Rice receives contract extension at Monmouth

King Rice, who has gradually improved Monmouth since taking over, was rewarded today with contract extension through 2019. (Photo courtesy of Monmouth University)

Three years ago, Monmouth University turned to King Rice to restore the Hawks to the Northeast Conference elite. Three years and a new conference later, his work is not yet done.

Rice, whose 33-62 record at the helm in West Long Branch is masked by the fact that he has kept Monmouth competitive despite one of the younger rosters in the nation and a step up in class to the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference, received a three-year contract extension this afternoon, which secures his status as head coach through the 2018-19 season. Rice, who turns 46 later this season, joins Sydney Johnson and Tim Cluess at Fairfield and Iona, respectively, as coaches in the MAAC whose contracts have been extended through 2019 after he signed a five-year deal upon his hiring in 2011.

"The extension of the contract of our head men's basketball coach is a vote of confidence in his work to date," Monmouth athletic director Marilyn McNeil said in a release issued through the university. "I believe in his vision and hope for the future of Monmouth basketball. We are on the right track academically and athletically, and I will expect there will be nothing but an upward trajectory in the years to come."

Monmouth, who finished 11-21 in its first season in the MAAC, opens the season tomorrow night against West Virginia.