Big East Coach Rewarded With Lengthy Contract Extension

In the aftermath of its best season in decades, Marquette has locked down its coach for the foreseeable future.

Golden Eagles coach Shaka Smart has agreed to a contract extension through the 2030 season, Marquette’s athletic department announced in a Tuesday afternoon release. The deal adds three seasons to the six-year contract Smart signed upon his hiring in March 2021.

“My family and I are incredibly thankful for the opportunity to be part of the Marquette community, where relationships, growth and victory truly matter,” Smart said in the university’s release. “I feel extremely fortunate to be around our players and staff every day — we have a special group at Marquette.”

In 2023, the Golden Eagles went 29–7 and swept the Big East's regular season and tournament titles. They were seeded No. 2 in the NCAA tournament, where they bowed out against Michigan State in the second round.

Before taking the Marquette job, Smart coached at VCU and Texas. He took the Rams to the Final Four in 2011, helping them become the third No. 11 seed at the time to reach college basketball’s premier event.