Xavier University Vice President and Director of Athletics Greg Christopher announced today that Xavier extended the contract of men’s basketball head coach Travis Steele, adding a year to his agreement that now runs through the 2024 season.
“This extension reflects the confidence I have in the direction of our program,” said Christopher. “Working with Travis and his staff, I have seen their work-ethic, strategy and decision-making in action. Travis successfully managed our transition, laying a new foundation for excellence. The future of Xavier basketball has never been brighter.”
“I appreciate the support from everyone at Xavier, which is critical to taking our program that next two percent to where we want to go,” said Steele. “I am excited about our future, starting with this year’s team. We welcome seven talented newcomers along with a core of returning leaders. Our entire staff can’t wait to get started.”
Steele, 37, led Xavier to the second round of the 2019 National Invitation Tournament where it lost in overtime at Texas, the eventual NIT Champion. Steele, who took over a team with no returning double-figure scorers, was picked to finish sixth in the BIG EAST Conference preseason coaches poll. The Musketeers won six of their last seven regular season BIG EAST games to finish tied for third in the league standings at 9-9, a league that sent all 10 teams to postseason play.
Steele was a finalist for the Joe B. Hall National Coach of the Year Award, which is given annually to the nation’s top first-year head coach in Division I. Steele, who finished 19-16 in his first season as the Xavier head coach, led XU to eight wins in its last 11 games. All of the opponents for those 11 games were in either the NCAA Tournament or NIT fields, including seven road and neutral site games.
Steele and his staff have put together one of the nation’s top recruiting classes in his first year at the helm. Steele welcomes a five-member incoming freshman class is ranked No. 21 in the nation by 247Sports. He also welcomes a pair of talented graduate transfers to the mix for the 2019-20 season.
Steele was named the Sedler Family Men’s Head Basketball Coach at Xavier on Saturday, March 31, 2018. Steele spent the previous 10 seasons at Xavier, including nine on the staff of his predecessor, Chris Mack. Steele is the 18th head coach in Xavier basketball history.
Xavier Extends The Contract Of Men’s Basketball Head Coach Travis Steele
