Pastner staying put at Memphis, receives extension

Mar 28, 2013 - 1:26 AM Memphis, TN (Sports Network) - Josh Pastner will remain at Memphis for the upcoming season and beyond after the Tigers' head basketball coach and the university agreed to terms on a contract extension.

Both Pastner, whose name had floated around in regards to coaching vacancies at such places as UCLA, Minnesota and USC, and Memphis athletic director Tom Bowen confirmed the agreement during an end-of-the-season press conference on Wednesday. Terms of the new pact were not released.

"I'm very grateful to be the head coach at Memphis," said Pastner. "It's a privilege. Tiger Nation is phenomenal, the best fan base in the entire country. Even in times of loss, that's what makes it great: their passion and involvement."

Pastner had three years remaining on a five-year extension reported to be worth $1.7 million annually that the 35-year-old signed after the 2010-11 season, his second after replacing John Calipari following the latter's move to Kentucky.

In four seasons at the helm of the Memphis program, Pastner has compiled a 106-34 record and captured three consecutive Conference USA Tournament titles. The Tigers went 31-5 this past season and defeated Saint Mary's in the second round of the NCAA Tournament before being ousted by Michigan State on Saturday.

"When you've done a good job, your name is going to be thrown out there," Pastner said. "I don't think there are any issues with talking as long as your bosses are kept in the loop, and that goes for any walk of life. That means you're doing a good job. Memphis is an elite job."

Memphis will move to the yet-to-be-renamed football-playing segment of the Big East when the conference undergoes its split for the 2013-14 academic year.