University of Cincinnati Director of Athletics Mike Bohn announced Monday that the university and head men’s basketball coach Mick Cronin have agreed to a new contract through the 2020-21 season.

The new seven-year deal replaces the extension Cronin, entering his ninth year with the Bearcats, signed a year ago.

"Mick Cronin’s genuine passion for the University of Cincinnati and his players is a critical piece in our extremely bright future," Bohn said. "Our cornerstone agreement represents a significant commitment to our storied basketball program. We anticipate continued national prominence, growth and improvement in all facets of the men’s basketball enterprise under Coach Cronin’s leadership.

"Students, fans, donors, alumni and our student-athletes have unequivocally demonstrated a competitive grit that is inspiring in our efforts to provide a model of sustained excellence. Continuity in our head coach is the foundation for us to expand upon our unprecedented investments in our collective college basketball experiences."

The 2014 American Athletic Conference Coach of the Year and nominee for national coach of the year consideration, Cronin guided Cincinnati to a 27-7 overall record during 2013-14, earning a share of the American regular-season title with a 15-3 league mark. The Bearcats climbed as high as seventh in the Associated Press poll last year, maintaining at top-15 ranking during the final eight weeks of the regular season.

Since the start of the 2010-11 campaign, the Bearcats have posted a 101-39 overall mark, winning at least 26 games in three of four seasons while making four consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances.

The program has performed well in the classroom as well, with the Bearcats earning a perfect 1,000 APR score in three of the last four reports while exceeding the national average seven times. Cronin ranks second in school history in coaching victories, owning a 162-107 record since he was hired in March 2006. His 11-year career mark is 231-131.

"Eight years ago, I was named head coach at the University of Cincinnati and at that press conference I said among other things that I wanted to make UC basketball an elite program, a class program, mentioned with the likes of the best college basketball programs in the country," Cronin said.

"Today, I hope that my commitment to that statement is much more in focus and understood. While it is a great honor to be the coach at my alma mater, my goals for our program are still very much the same," Cronin said. "We have come a very long way in eight years, especially as one of only 16 teams to reach the last four NCAA Tournaments. Academically, we have had great success as our University continues to rise on the charts nationally. It is very true that I cherish coaching at home, on the campus where I literally grew up, but I believe that we can continue our climb to the top of college basketball at UC.

"I want to thank President Santa Ono, our board of trustees and Mike Bohn for their commitment to myself and my daughter, Samantha, as well as my staff. I would also like to thank our loyal fans and students for their support. We are working hard and are excited about next season."