The Collegian
Friday, March 29, 2024

Mooney, Shafer granted contract extensions

University of Richmond athletic director Jim Miller announced today that men's basketball coach Chris Mooney and women's basketball coach Michael Shafer have agreed to contract extensions.

"Goals for our men's and women's basketball programs remain the same," Miller said at a press conference. "We expect to consistently and successfully compete for Atlantic 10 championships and earn post-season opportunities that will enable the University of Richmond to be recognized nationally as fielding quality basketball programs."

The details of the extensions, including the length of the contracts and the salaries, could not be discussed because of university guidelines, Miller said.

The coaches expressed their gratitude to Miller and the athletics department, saying they were excited for the chance to continue coaching at Richmond.

"I'm thrilled for the opportunity," Mooney said in a statement. "We're in good position here in the immediate future and the near future to do good things for Richmond basketball."

Mooney's current contract would have expired after next season. In his four years as coach, he has led the men's team to an overall record of 53-68 and one postseason appearance in last year's first College Basketball Invitational. That tournament is composed of 16 teams that were not invited to the NCAA tournament or the National Invitational Tournament.

This season, Mooney's team is 16-14 overall and 8-7 in the A-10 with one regular season game remaining before the conference tournament, which begins March 11 in Atlantic City, N.J.

"Overall, the program's foundation is very strong right now," Mooney said. "We have good people in the program from the players to the staff."

Facing the prospect of entering the final year of his current contract, Mooney, 36, faced the issue of whether he would receive an extension. He said that did not have an effect on the team's performance or focus.

"[The contract negotiations were] not a concern beyond myself individually," Mooney said. "Guys on the team never expressed anything to me about that."

During his four years at Richmond, Mooney said he had been able to establish a good foundation and improve recruiting, arguing that recruiting had become easier because the staff was more adept at identifying players who could be successful student-athletes at Richmond.

On the women's side, Shafer has already turned strong recruiting classes into success on the court.

Enjoy what you're reading?
Signup for our newsletter

The women's team finished the regular season 21-8 overall and 9-5 in the A-10. It earned the No. 4 seed and a bye into the first round of the conference tournament, which begins tomorrow.

"I am thrilled for the opportunity to have an extension," said Shafer, 37. "We're ready to keep moving towards to future of good things with women's basketball."

Shafer has coached the Spiders to an overall record of 61-59 during his first four seasons. Though the team's success this season may have tempted some coaches to seek jobs at more prestigious basketball schools, Shafer said he was happy to stay put.

"I've been in the athletic business a long time," he said. "I've seen [coaches] jump and move. When you make a commitment to kids, that's something that you want to honor."

The women's team will lose only two seniors to graduation after this season. This year's success has been largely attributable to the play of the young players, including sophomore and first-team A-10 guard Brittani Shells, Shafer said.

"I believe the best is yet to come," Shafer said. "Chemistry and injuries, all those things have to factor in. The young kinds have provided a spark. Can we repeat [this seasons success] next year? I'd like to think we can."

For now, Shafer and Mooney can only enjoy their extensions briefly, as both must keep their focus on the remainder of this season. The men's team will finish the regular season at home against No. 17 ranked Xavier on Saturday and the women will look to earn a bid into the NCAA tournament with a strong showing during the A-10 tournament this weekend in Charlotte, N.C.

Contact staff writer Reilly Moore at reilly.moore@richmond.edu

Support independent student media

You can make a tax-deductible donation by clicking the button below, which takes you to our secure PayPal account. The page is set up to receive contributions in whatever amount you designate. We look forward to using the money we raise to further our mission of providing honest and accurate information to students, faculty, staff, alumni and others in the general public.

Donate Now