On Thursday, January 30, Miami’s Director of Athletics David Sayler announced that Travis Steele has agreed to a contract extension that runs through the 2031-32 basketball season.
“I want to thank President Crawford and David Sayler for extending my contract here at Miami. I am blessed to be able to work at such a great place,” said Steele. “We are going to continue to build the men’s basketball program so that we are competing for championships both on and off the court.”
In Steele’s third year guiding the RedHawks, Miami is currently 7-1 in Mid-American Conference play, the program’s best conference start since 1998-1999. The RedHawks are also 15-5 overall, including an eight-game win streak earlier this winter (the team’s longest since 1996-97).
“I am excited to announce this well-deserved extension for Coach Steele based on the fantastic work he has done in his time here at Miami. The improvement of our record is apparent to all, but his excellent work in recruiting and building a team culture that all Miami fans can be proud of has really been the key to our success,” said Sayler. “Travis and his staff have done an excellent job in their time here and I am proud of what they have accomplished, with Travis leading the way and delivering on every promise he made about this program when we hired him. I also would like to extend a thank you to his wife, Amanda, and their three young children as I know how much sacrifice families make to support those who excel in this profession, and that is certainly the case for the entire Steele family. We are fortunate to have them all as a part of the Miami family and look forward to that continuing for years to come.”
Last season, Steele returned to the MAC Tournament for the second consecutive year as the RedHawks claimed the seventh seed. Miami won 15 games overall, its most since 2018-19, including nine conference victories (most since the 2020-21 campaign). The RedHawks defeated two NCAA Tournament teams in the 2023-24 season (Vermont and Akron). Under Steele’s guidance, Darweshi Hunter and Anderson Mirambeaux earned Honorable Mention All-MAC, while Eian Elmer was named to the MAC All-Freshman Team.
In his debut campaign, Steele led the RedHawks to a 12-20 season and a berth in the MAC Tournament quarterfinals as the No. 8 seed. The Red and White won four consecutive games in February to qualify for the postseason after being picked 11th in the preseason poll, including a 17-point win over rival Ohio in the RedHawks’ final home game of the year.
Miami’s Mekhi Lairy was tabbed Third Team All-MAC in 2021-22, with Miami student-athletes additionally earning Honorable Mention All-MAC and All-Freshman honors. All three of the RedHawks’ captains that season ranked among the top 20 scorers in the conference.
Steele became the 28th men’s basketball head coach in Miami history on March 31, 2022 after completing a four-year stint as the head coach at Xavier University. He posted a 70-50 mark with Xavier and led the Musketeers to two postseason berths. Steele earned the 100th win of his career in November 2024 against Siena College and now holds an all-time record of 112-92 as a head coach.
Steele inks contract extension at Miami (OH)
