Cleveland State on Thursday extended the contract of Dennis Gates through the 2026-27 season after Gates guided the team to the NCAA Tournament this past season, just his second as the Vikings’ head coach.
The Vikings finished the season 19-8, including 16-4 in the Horizon League for the regular season. Those 16 wins marked the most in league play in team history, breaking the record of 15 set in 1992-93.
Cleveland State was the league’s regular-season and tournament champion and reached the NCAA Tournament as a No. 15 seed before losing to No. 2 Houston, 87-56, in the first round of the Midwest Regional.
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“I’m very thankful and grateful for Cleveland State University President Harlan Sands, Director of Athletics Scott Garrett and the University Board of Trustees for their continued trust and support in me, my coaching staff and our entire men’s basketball program,” Gates said in a release. “Cleveland State men’s basketball has a very rich tradition and history, and I’m humbled to lead this program.”
Gates is 30-29 in two seasons as Cleveland State’s coach, finishing 11-21 in his first season. He was named Horizon Coach of the Year both years.
In his contract extension, more years could be added if Gates’ teams meet specific on- and off-court incentives, according to the release.
–Field Level Media