University of Massachusets Athletics
UMass Retains Lappas as Head Basketball Coach
March 15, 2004 | Men's Basketball
March 15, 2004
AMHERST, Mass. - University of Massachusetts Amherst Director of Athletics John McCutcheon announced today that the Athletic Department has reached an agreement in principle to restructure the contract of Steve Lappas. Under the agreement, Lappas will return as head coach of the basketball program in 2004-05.
The new agreement maintains Lappas' base pay, but significantly changes the incentive portion of his contract to tie supplemental compensation to ticket sales and team performance. The new deal will be in effect for the '04-05 season. The agreement allows for Lappas and the University to renegotiate at the conclusion of next season.
"A new coaching staff needs to be given adequate time to get the job done in recognition of the state of the program they inherited," said McCutcheon. "While none of us, Steve included, are remotely content with the win/loss record of the team to date, I do feel we have begun to show signs of improvement for the future. This agreement allows that progress to continue while minimizing the financial exposure to the University. We have also established clear goals and expectations for evaluating the development of the program.
"As we begin to establish a stable environment within UMass Athletics that focuses on productivity, efficiency and the student-athlete, I feel this is in the University's and the Department's best interest."
Lappas, the sixth winningest coach in Big East Conference history, just completed his third season with the Minutemen. He has a career record of 264-225, with eight postseason appearances in 15 years at Manhattan, Villanova and UMass.
"I'm pleased in the confidence that John McCutcheon and the University have shown in the promise of the future of this program," said Lappas. "I am looking forward to continue working with the fine young talent we have in our program. I'm excited about the prospects of our future. Our goals are to return to the great tradition of winning we have at UMass."
