Following a third consecutive postseason appearance, University of New Orleans head men’s basketball coach Mark Slessinger signed a contract extension through the 2025-2026 season Thursday. The extension was approved by the Louisiana System Board of Regents.
“I can’t begin to express my gratitude to Dr. John Nicklow, our Director of Athletics Tim Duncan, and our administration for this contract extension,” said Slessinger. “I am grateful to be a part of the dynamic faculty and staff that represents this incredible university. “I have said many times that I am living the dream coaching at UNO and living in New Orleans. This university and city are such a blessing to Toni, myself and our family. It’s a privilege to continue to be a small part of the renaissance of our program, department, university, and city.”
“Coach Slessinger is a proven winner and has built a program that consistently competes for conference championships,” said Director of Athletics Tim Duncan. “His commitment to winning with integrity and preparing young men to succeed on and off the court is evident. We are excited about the future of Privateers men’s basketball.”
Slessinger was named the Louisiana Association of Basketball Coaches Major College Coach of the Year in 2019. It was the second time in three seasons Sless received the Tommy Joe Eagles Memorial Award.
After leading the Privateers to a Southland Conference regular season and tournament title in 2017, UNO revamped their backcourt and advanced to the second round of the College Basketball Invitational in 2018.
Last season, Slessinger became the program leader in games coached and with the overtime win at Lamar, Sless reached the century mark in wins on the Lakefront, the third to do so for the Blue and Silver.
The 2018-19 season featured the third consecutive postseason appearance for UNO as the Privateers hosted the first round of the CollegeBasketballInvitational.com Postseason Tournament. New Orleans advanced to the championship game of the 2019 Southland Conference Tournament after knocking off Lamar and regular season champion Sam Houston State.
“I am indebted to all of our current and former student-athletes who allowed me to be their coach,” said Slessinger. “They have believed in our values and mission. We are proud of what we have accomplished but are working tirelessly to achieve more. It has also been a blessing to be able to work with such incredible coaches and support staff.”
Slessinger was named the University of New Orleans 2017 Service with Jazz Employee of the Year. The award is given to one person who demonstrates strong characteristics in work ethic, customer service, commitment, loyalty, and motivation.
Slessinger inks contract extension at New Orleans
Photo Courtesy UNO Athletics
