The University of Alabama System Board of Trustees approved a contract extension for UAB men’s basketball head coach Andy Kennedy on Friday afternoon.
Coach Kennedy has experienced tremendous success in his five years leading the program and this extension only solidifies the future of UAB basketball, said Director of Athletics Mark Ingram. We look forward to continuing to build UAB basketball’s brand locally and nationally under Coach Kennedy leadership.
I would like to thank Mark Ingram, President Watts, Chancellor Trant and the University of Alabama System Board of Trustees for their continued support of our mission, Kennedy said. I was honored in March of 2020 to become the seventh head men’s basketball coach in UAB history. That honor continues as we head into year six at my alma mater, and the goals remain steadfast: be relentless in our pursuit of excellence both on and off the court, be consistent in our approach, habits over everything, and always be grateful for the opportunity.
The new agreement extends Coach Kennedy through the 2030-31 season.
During Kennedy’s tenure, he has led UAB to two NCAA tournaments, two deep runs in the NIT, while appearing in four straight conference championship games.
Kennedy has put together a 125-50 record at UAB which is the most wins in a five-year period in program history and 11th most in the NCAA during that span. UAB is one of only five programs in the NCAA to win at least 22 games per year over the last five seasons. Kennedy is one of only five active head coaches to have won 20+ games in 15 of his first 18 seasons as a head coach.
UAB welcomes a brand-new roster to the 2025-26 season returning zero scholarship players. Kennedy brought in two freshmen, four JUCO transfers, and six division I transfers to round out the roster.
In June, the University of Alabama System Board of Trustees approved a scope of work and budget of $14.6 million for the renovation of Bartow Arena that is intended to feature four main components:
- Entrance lobby expansion
- Club-level lounge and club-level seating for enhanced viewing experience
- Replacement of lower bowl retractable seating to elevate fan experience
- Concourse improvements including lighting and updated restrooms
Pending UAB Athletics reaching fundraising goals and additional UA System Board of Trustee approvals, the project is anticipated to break ground following the completion of UAB’s Spring 2026 Commencement ceremonies. You can read more about the Bartow Arena renovation project here.
