Rick Stansbury and Mississippi State agree to new contract

Mississippi State University Director of Athletics Greg Byrne announced Thursday that a new four-year contract with head men’s basketball coach Rick Stansbury had been executed and forwarded to MSU Interim President Dr. Vance Watson.

The contract requires approval by the Board of Trustees, Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning.

“We’re pleased that we’ve been able to finalize this contract, which shows Mississippi State’s commitment to Coach Stansbury and his staff,” Dr. Watson said. “We’re looking forward to the continued success of a program that has excelled under his leadership.”

Stansbury’s contract, which is the state of Mississippi-maximum four years in length, provides a base salary of $225,000. It also carries the same Academic Progress Rate language that was included in head football coach Sylvester Croom’s new contract, released in June. APR is the NCAA’s new academic measurement component which penalizes programs that do not reach a numerical minimum.

“We are excited that we have a signed contract with Coach Stansbury.” Byrne said, in making the announcement. “Our men’s basketball program is a perennial post-season tournament contender due to Coach Stansbury’s leadership.”

MSU has posted a 208-115 record during Stansbury’s 10 seasons as Bulldog head coach. He has taken eight of those teams to post-season play, including five NCAA appearances. Stansbury has guided MSU to one Southeastern Conference championship, an SEC Tournament title and four SEC West crowns.

“I want to thank Dr. Watson and Greg Byrne for the support they have given our basketball program with this contract,” Stansbury said. “My staff and I appreciate the confidence they have in us.”

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