Southern University and head men’s basketball coach Roman Banks have reached an agreement in principle to a new deal ensuring the return of the two-time SWAC and Louisiana Sports Writers’ Association’s Coach of the Year, athletic department officials confirmed Monday.

"We’re excited about the prospect of continuing our relationship with Coach Banks and I remain excited about his leadership of the men’s basketball team at Southern U.," Athletics Director Dr. William Broussard said.

Approval for the new deal is pending and is not expected until the Southern University Board of Supervisors meet in May. Term of the contract were not disclosed at the present time.

"Today, Southern University has expressed its commitment to the future of the men’s basketball program by investing in me to remain as head coach," Banks said. "With a new agreement in place, I am eager to move the men’s basketball program forward while elevating the standard of excellence that we set as a coaching staff when I first arrived in 2011. But none of this would be possible without the relentless efforts of our university administration, athletics director, coaches and, most importantly, our student-athletes."

In three season as head coach, Banks has compiled a stellar 59-37 overall record, winning the SWAC tournament title in 2013 and the SWAC regular season crown in 2014. This past season, Banks guided Southern to a 19-13 record and the program’s first regular season SWAC title since 2003.

Banks, a Shreveport native and former Northwestern State standout, is credited as the catalyst who helped restore the men’s program to prominence after suffering through several losing seasons and NCAA imposed APR penalties.

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