In the wake of an historic season, South Carolina is ensuring coach Lamont Paris stays in Columbia. According to ESPN sources, South Carolina has agreed to a new six-year contract with Paris, who won the SEC's Coach of the Year award in 2023-24.
The deal will extend him through the 2029-30 season and average more than $4 million annually, per ESPN sources. The deal is pending board of trustees approval that's set for tomorrow, per sources.
Paris' name emerged in the Ohio State search and likely would have in others, and the deal ensures he'll be off the market as the coaching carousel heats up in the upcoming weeks.
The decisive move by athletic director Ray Tanner marks a strong commitment to men's basketball at South Carolina, which has made just one men's NCAA basketball tournament since 2004.