Furman University Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Jason Donnelly announced today that head men’s basketball coach Bob Richey has received a contract extension. Terms of the extension were not disclosed.
“Bob Richey and Furman basketball have achieved unprecedented success that has helped transform our athletics department and our university,” Donnelly said. “We are excited that Bob and his family are remaining a part of our Furman family. I appreciate the support of President Davis, the Board of Trustees, and our donors who have continued to elevate our athletics program.”
Richey, who recently completed his sixth season at the helm of the Paladin program, has amassed an impressive overall 139–54 (78-27 SoCon) coaching record and .720 winning percentage, which ranks in the top 15 among active coaches. Under Richey’s leadership, Furman has joined Duke, Gonzaga, Houston, Kansas, Saint Mary’s, and Southern California, as the only NCAA Division I programs to register 22 or more victories in at least six of the last seven seasons.
“I am so proud of this team and all that this program has accomplished under Coach Richey’s leadership, and I couldn’t be happier that he will continue to lead this program,” said Furman President Elizabeth Davis. “Clearly, Bob’s record of accomplishments over his six years as head coach has been impressive. But this season, he made history with a remarkable run that included a SoCon Championship and a thrilling first-round win in the NCAA Tournament. Our strategic investment in basketball will continue to pay exponential dividends in the exposure and prestige it brings to Furman, and I can’t wait to see where we go from here.”
“My family and I are truly honored to receive this new contract from the University,” Richey said. “I can’t thank President Davis, our Board of Trustees, and Athletic Director Jason Donnelly enough for their continued commitment to our program. I also want to recognize the many program supporters who have played, and continue to play, a critical role in what we are building at Furman. This was a tremendous season by an incredible group of players, coaches, and staff. Their accomplishments will be remembered forever and inspire us to continue raising the bar for Furman basketball. Thank you to all Paladins for what you mean to the program — I hope we made you proud!”
The 2022-23 men’s basketball season saw a series of historical accomplishments for Richey and the Paladins. The team finished the season with a program-record 28 wins, a SoCon regular season title, and SoCon Tournament championship. The program’s 28 wins establishes it as one of just 16 Division I programs to win 25 or more games in at least three of the last five seasons. Seniors Mike Bothwell and Jalen Slawson earned first team All-SoCon honors, complemented with Slawson being named the league player of the year.
The season culminated with Furman’s first NCAA Tournament appearance in 43 years and a first-round defeat of fourth-ranked Virginia, 68-67, in one of the most memorable finishes in tournament history. The Paladins’ tournament success was witnessed by over 9.2 million viewers who tuned into this year’s NCAA Tournament, the highest in history.
A native of Florence, S.C., Richey joined the Paladin coaching staff as an assistant in 2011 before moving into the head coaching role in 2017. In his first season as head coach, he guided Furman to a school record-tying 23 total victories and 14 SoCon wins, while the program earned a share of its first SoCon regular season championship in 21 years.
Richey graduated summa cum laude from North Greenville University in 2006 with a degree in business management. In 2007, he married the former Jessica Tingle, and the couple have three children, Audrey Gabrielle, Robert McIntire “Mac” and Jacks Berner.
Richey inks contract extension at Furman
Photo Courtesy Furman Athletics
