Tom Collen’s contract extended through 2016

FAYETTEVILLE – The University of Arkansas has extended the contract of head women’s basketball coach Tom Collen through 2016 Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics Jeff Long announced today.

Collen, who is beginning his sixth season as the Razorback head coach, had one year remaining on his contract and received a three-year extension.

The Southeastern Conference Coach of the Year paced the Razorbacks to a 24-9 record and a program-best 10-6 mark in the conference in 2011-12.  Collen guided the Razorbacks to the second round of the NCAA Tournament reaching the post season for the third time in his five years with the program.

Collen paced the Razorbacks to a program record eight consecutive SEC wins last season.  In addition, Arkansas defeated four ranked teams, three in the SEC, and won a program-best 10 SEC games.  Collen is the first Razorback women’s basketball coach to earn SEC Coach of the Year honors, and joins former Razorback men’s basketball coach Nolan Richardson as the only two hoops coaches at Arkansas to be selected.

“We are pleased to reward Tom’s efforts on behalf of our student-athletes and our women's basketball program with an extension,” Long said. “Last season, he guided the Razorbacks to one of the best seasons in program history and we are excited to see he and his staff build upon this success. Coach Collen is a dedicated coach and a fine representative of our program."