MISSOULA – When you have a lot of success, you’ll have a lot of suitors. However, Travis DeCuire will remain in Missoula.
The head coach agreed to a new contract to stay with Montana’s men’s basketball program on Thursday. The new three-year agreement will replace DeCuire’s old contract that was set to expire after next season.
It also gives the former Griz player a $20,000 raise to a $175,000 base salary. UM athletic director Kent Haslam confirmed the deal, although it won’t become official until the Board of Regents gives final approval.
It’s easy to see why Montana wanted to keep DeCuire. The Griz won 26 games this season, the third-most in program history. They also brought home Big Sky Conference regular-season and tournament titles on their way to the NCAA Tournament.
DeCuire reportedly interviewed briefly for the Colorado State opening but withdrew from consideration. He had also been rumored as a candidate at Utah State.
It’s also clear why DeCuire would be interested in staying at his alma mater, at least for one more year. The Grizzlies lose only one senior, starting forward Fabijan Krslovic. They will return all-Big Sky selections in guards Ahmaad Rorie and Michael Oguine, and forward Jamar Akoh. They should be the overwhelming favorite to repeat as Big Sky champs in 2018-19.
