Chris Mack led Xavier to an NCAA Sweet 16 for the third time in 2015.

Chris Mack led Xavier to an NCAA Sweet 16 for the third time in 2015.

April 1, 2015

CINCINNATI — Xavier University Director of Athletics Greg Christopher announced today that the contract of Sedler Family Men’s Head Basketball Coach Chris Mack has been extended by a year through the 2020-21 season. Mack, who recently completed his sixth season at the helm, is the first head coach in school history to lead the team to three Sweet 16 appearances.

"Our basketball program is pointed in a positive direction," said Christopher. "Chris and his staff are working tirelessly to achieve our ultimate goal of reaching a Final Four and competing for a national championship. A critical part of our direction is the right leadership – and Chris is the right leader for our team. Similar to last year’s extension, we will touch other areas of the basketball program with this agreement. And, as we do every year, Chris, our staff and I and will talk extensively in the coming weeks. We are constantly evaluating every aspect of the department and program. If there are areas we can enhance that help our student-athletes or our aspirations of a championship, we will strive to improve."

"We have lofty goals for our basketball program," said Mack. "While we are proud of this year’s Sweet 16 team and the work we have done so far, our goals go beyond that. Xavier is a special place and the support from the entire Xavier Community and my hometown of Cincinnati is overwhelming. As both an alumnus and the head coach, I am excited about the challenges ahead."

Mack, 45, has led Xavier to the NCAA Tournament five times in his six seasons at the helm. Mack led XU to the 2015 Sweet 16 earlier this month and also led XU to the Sweet 16 in 2010 and 2012. He has recorded a 134-71 (.654) mark overall and stands third on Xavier’s all-time wins list. At his current pace of 22.3 wins per season, Mack will become his alma mater’s all-time wins leader long before the end of this new agreement.

Mack, a 1992 Xavier graduate and former two-time XU team captain, began his collegiate coaching career as the Xavier Director of Basketball operations for two seasons, 1999-2001, under the late Skip Prosser. Mack spent five seasons, 2004-09, as the top assistant under Sean Miller, the man he eventually replaced to become head coach in 2009.

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