Boise State had a record-breaking basketball season. Leon Rice just got rewarded

A historic season netted Boise State men’s basketball coach Leon Rice a significant contract extension.

The university announced Wednesday that Rice received a new five-year contract, pending approval by the Idaho State Board of Education.

The contract calls for a $150,000 salary increase for the upcoming year, bringing Rice’s salary for the 2023 fiscal year to $900,000. Over the remaining four years of the contract, Rice’s salary will increase by $50,000 each year. He will have the opportunity to earn up to three one-year extensions, each of which would also carry a $50,000 annual salary increase.

“I am so humbled and excited to be able to lead Bronco basketball into the future,” Rice said in a news release. “Our success has been made possible by not only the players and coaches, but the incredible support of the Boise State administration.

“Specifically, I would like to thank President Marlene Tromp; athletic director Jeramiah Dickey; and men’s basketball sport program administrator Cody Gougler for their commitment and dedication to the basketball program. We will continue to work daily to represent the Boise community with pride and excellence in all that we do.”

Rice already entered the 2021-22 season as the winningest coach in Boise State history, and he took the program to new heights. The Broncos set program records for total wins (27), conference wins (15) and consecutive wins (14) on their way to sweeping the Mountain West regular-season and tournament championships. Rice was named the Mountain West Coach of the Year after collecting his ninth 20-win season in 12 years.

The Broncos made the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2015, losing in the first round to Memphis.

Over the summer, Rice served as an assistant coach for the USA Basketball Men’s U18 National Team at the 2022 FIBA U18 Americas Men’s Championship. Rice helped guide Team USA to the gold medal with a 6-0 record and an average margin of victory of 56.7 points per game.

“I could not be more excited for the present and future of Boise State men’s basketball under Leon Rice’s leadership,” Dickey said. “Coach Rice has built a successful program on and off the court, and I am grateful for his commitment to preparing our young men for life. As we continue to make significant investments into our basketball program, I am confident this next chapter, led by coach Rice, will be a source of pride for Bronco Nation.”

Boise State will return 10 players from last year’s championship squad, including starters Marcus Shaver Jr. and Tyson Degenhart. The Broncos added Detroit Mercy transfer Mohamed Sylla; Sadraque Nganga from AZ Compass Prep in Chandler, Arizona; Texas Tech transfer Chibuzo Agbo; and walk-on Kade Rice, the youngest son of Leon Rice.