May 6, 2009

DAYTON, Ohio - University of Dayton Vice President and Director of Athletics Tim Wabler has announced that the University has extended head men's basketball coach Brian Gregory's contract for an additional five years, and that it will run through the 2017-18 season. Financial terms of the contract were not disclosed.

"The University of Dayton is committed to excellence, and this contract extension demonstrates our commitment to Brian Gregory," Wabler said. "The arc of our men's basketball program is outstanding on many levels. Looking back at our success, we are one of a handful of schools to win 50 games and have been ranked in the last two years. Right now on campus, we have young men of high character in our program who are dedicated to getting better and are earning their degrees. Looking ahead, we a preseason Top 25 team, and we have recruited young men who will continue our program's momentum."

"Why extend Brian's contract through 2018? The answer is simple. We are committed to recruiting student-athletes who can be successful on-and-off the court, and every high school player thinking about becoming a Flyer can see that this contract runs through their four years at the University of Dayton."

"I don't know what our potential is, but I know we haven't reached it" Wabler added. "And I know Brian Gregory is the man to test the limits of our potential."

Since taking over as Dayton's head coach in 2003, Gregory has a record of 125-68. His original contract term was five years. He signed a new agreement in 2005 that originally ran through 2013. He is one of just 25 coaches who have been at their current school at least five years who average at least 20 wins a season.

That list includes Syracuse's Jim Boeheim, UConn's Jim Calhoun, Florida's Billy Donovan, Michigan State's Tom Izzo, Duke's Mike Kryzewski, Louisville's Rick Pitino, Kansas' Bill Self, Maryland's Gary Williams and North Carolina's Roy Williams.

"I've always said that it's an honor to be the head basketball coach at the University of Dayton," Gregory said. "It's a special place and a perfect fit for myself and my family. What this extension demonstrates above all else is that the University believes in our program. And that's bigger than just me. It's our staff, and it's our players. The players who came in at the beginning and have since graduated. The players who are in our program now. And the players who are coming to UD. It's gratifying to know that Tim (Wabler) and Dr. Curran (UD President Dr. Daniel J. Curran), and everyone in our administration believe in them as much as I do."

Dayton returns four starters and 10 of its top 11 scorers from last year's 27-8 team that reached the NCAA second round. The Flyer returnees include all four players who earned Atlantic 10 postseason honors in 2008-09: Chris Wright, Marcus Johnson, London Warren and Chris Johnson. Wright, who was also First Team NABC All-District, led UD in scoring (13.3) and rebounding (6.6), and set a school single-season record for dunks (54). Several 2009-2010 preseason polls, including those associated with ESPN.com, CBS College Sports.com, and The Sporting News.com, have the Flyers ranked next season.