The University of Mississippi Athletics
Bianco Recommended For Contract Extension
7/12/2004 | Baseball
July 12, 2004
OXFORD, Miss. - Ole Miss Athletics Director Pete Boone announced here Monday that he has recommended a one-year extension to the contract of head baseball coach Mike Bianco. The recommendation is pending approval of the Board of Trustees, State Institutions of Higher Learning.
Bianco's new, four-year pact would have him under contract to direct the Ole Miss baseball program through June 30, 2008.
"We are extremely pleased with the positive trend our baseball program has established under Mike's leadership," Boone said. "We anticipate many years of great Ole Miss baseball as we compete in one of the toughest baseball conferences in America."
During Bianco's first four years at the helm of Ole Miss baseball, the Rebels have compiled a 150-90-1 record, including four consecutive 30-win seasons and earning three NCAA Regional berths in four years. Ole Miss made its first-ever back-to-back NCAA appearances in 2003 and 2004, and the Rebels hosted their first-ever NCAA Regional in 2004.
"I am appreciative for the confidence Pete Boone and the University have shown in the direction of our program," Bianco said. "Baseball is important at Ole Miss and the University has made a commitment to succeed in baseball on a conference and national level."
While the Rebels were winning a school record 18 SEC games during the 2004 season, Ole Miss topped the 100,000-mark in total home attendance for the first time in school history, drawing 119,143 in 34 home dates.
Bianco's career coaching record is 250-161-1 in seven seasons as a head coach, including three years at McNeese State before coming to Ole Miss.
